Bøker av Doug West

Thomas Jefferson is known by most as the third president of the United States, but his legacy extends much further than that. Born to a wealthy plantation owner, Thomas was the third of nine children. When he was just fourteen, his father died, leaving him half his land, slaves, and wealth. These circumstances allowed Thomas to attend college at the age of sixteen, and later on, to study under one of the top lawyers of the time. His political history is one of great triumph and struggle. Jefferson first practiced law and served in the government as a member of the House of Burgesses, later serving as a member of the Continental Congress, where he wrote the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson left Congress in 1776 and returned to Virginia to serve in the legislature, and then as Governor of Virginia for two years. He took a brief sabbatical until 1784, when he replaced Benjamin Franklin as minister to France. In 1790, Jefferson became Secretary of State under George Washington and later served as Vice President to John Adams. Jefferson won the presidency in a heated election in 1800. His first term resulted in some notable achievements, including the purchase of the Louisiana Territory in 1803, and then his support of the Lewis and Clark expedition. In his second term, he faced difficulties in the domestic and foreign fronts and was most remembered for his effort to remain neutral in the midst of the conflict between France and Britain. In 1809, President Jefferson was succeeded by James Madison. While he lived out his final seventeen years at his Virginia plantation, Monticello, Jefferson sold his collection of books to the government. Not only did he lay the foundation for the Library of Congress, but he was also the founder of the University of Virginia. Thomas Jefferson passed away on July 4, 1826, just hours before his friend John Adams died on the same date. It was the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and Jefferson was eighty-three years old.Spend some time with this distinguished American and buy the book Thomas Jefferson - A Short Biography. 30 Minute Book SeriesWelcome to the thirteenth book in the 30-Minute Book Series. Each book in the series is fast-paced, well-written, and accurate, covering the story in as much detail as a short book allows. In less than an hour, you can read or listen to the full book. It is a perfect companion for your lunch hour, or perhaps a nice distraction on your train ride home from work.About the AuthorDoug West is a retired engineer, small business owner, and an experienced non-fiction writer with several books to his credit. His writing interests are general, with special expertise in science, biographies, and "How-To" topics. Doug has a Ph.D. in General Engineering from Oklahoma State University.

A fierce personality with an iron will, Andrew Jackson was an important statesman who left a historic mark on the expansion and consolidation of the United States. Known among both his friends and his enemies as "Old Hickory," after the hardwood tree, he rose to fame during the War of 1812, where his victories revealed the tenacity and courage that would later transform him into one of the most influential and controversial American presidents.Andrew Jackson was a self-made man who was born on the frontier and grew up to become one of Tennessee's first and most important political figures, before serving as the seventh president of the United States between 1829 and 1837. His rise to national prominence was hastened when he led to victory a rag-tag group of militia, Indians, locals, and pirates against a much larger British force during the War of 1812 at the Battle of New Orleans. The event prompted Jackson's immediate ascent to power and transformed him into a national hero. From the Petticoat affair to the nullification crisis, Jackson's ability to handle the most divisive issues allowed him to transcend any scandal due to the unwavering support of his ardent political partisans. Andrew Jackson exerted such a tremendous influence on American politics that historians often refer to his presidency as "The Age of Jackson."Although he was widely esteemed by Americans of his time, Jackson's reputation has dwindled since the rise of the civil rights movement when his anti-abolitionist views and his leading role in Indian dispossession after the signing of the Indian Removal Act in 1830 have been heavily criticized. With his independent spirit and his persistent hold on democratic principles and values, he set the country on a path that led to a stronger and more efficient democracy.This readable book "Andrew Jackson: A Short History", is a compact biography that surveys in concise terms the life and times of this most influential American president.30-Minute Book SeriesWelcome to the 31th book in the 30-Minute Book Series. Books in this series are fast-paced, accurate, and cover the story in as much detail as a short book possibly can. Most people complete each book in less than an hour, which makes the books in the series a perfect companion for your lunch hour or a little down time.

Zachary Taylor or "Old Rough and Ready" as his men called him, came up through the ranks in the U.S. army with the culmination of his career occurring at the Battle of Buena Vista during the Mexican-American War. His military exploits brought him national notoriety and propelled him to the office of the president in the election of 1848. A bit of an enigma, he was a southern slaveholder who vehemently opposed the expansion of slavery into the new western territories that had been won in the war with Mexico. The political arena was a new domain for Taylor, having never held a political office or even voted in a national election. Just sixteen-months into his presidency he was suddenly stricken with a severe gastro-intestinal ailment that killed him - some questioned if he had not been poisoned. Though Zachary Taylor will never rank as one of the great presidents like Washington or Lincoln, he will always be remembered as a strong nationalist who worked to preserve the Union. The book "Zachary Taylor: A Short Biography" gives a concise look at the life and times of the former president of the United States. To illustrate the story there are numerous pictures of the people, places, and events that were part of this man's fascinating life. In addition the book contains: a list of reference books for further reading, a timeline of President Taylor that puts the events of his life and that period of history in sequence, and a section that contains short biographical sketches of the key individuals in the book.

John Tyler holds the distinction of being the first president to take office due to the death of a sitting president. Tyler was thrust into office on the death of President William Henry Harrison in 1841 after being vice president for only a month. He was at home in Richmond when he got word of Harrison's death. Immediately he rushed to Washington, D.C., to be embroiled in a Constitutional crisis over the secession of power.-- The Whig Political Party had chosen Tyler as Harrison's running mate in the election of 1840, primarily because he was from the very populous state of Virginia and it was hoped he could bring in the Southern vote.-- The Whigs were shocked when Tyler became president and didn't fall in line with the party. He vetoed much of their legislation, so they kicked him out of the party!-- After one term in office, he was relegated to political obscurity.--As the tensions grew between the North and South leading up to the Civil War, Tyler and his new wife, thirty years his junior, became outspoken advocates for slavery and Southern plantation life.-- Just before his death he was elected as a representative to the Confederate States of America and would be buried in a coffin draped with a Confederate flag.-To the Northerners, John Tyler was considered a traitor to the Union cause, making him one of the most controversial presidents in United States history."John Tyler: A Short Biography" reveals the life and times of the tenth president of the United States.30-Minute Book SeriesThis is the 38th book in the 30-Minute Book Series. Books in this series are fast-paced, accurate, and cover the story in as much detail as a short book possibly can. Most people complete each book in less than an hour, which makes the books in the series a perfect companion for your lunch hour or a little down time.About the AuthorDoug West is a retired engineer and an experienced non-fiction writer with several books to his credit. His writing interests are general, with special expertise in history, science, and biographies. Doug has a Ph.D. in General Engineering from Oklahoma State University.

Benjamin Franklin was first and foremost a public servant, but he was also a prolific writer, humorist, musician, inventor, businessman, and scientist. He was always working to improve civic society. Among many other things, he organized the first volunteer fire department and established the first lending library in America. In the 18th century, he was celebrated as a scientist, inventor, and innovator who somehow emerged from the obscurity of his modest birth to prominence, which he achieved despite a lack of formal education. You've hear the story of Benjamin Franklin flying a kite in a thunderstorm storm to prove lightning was a form of electricity - the story is true and it turned out his discovery propelled him to the level of an international scientist. He was a simple American, but his scientific discoveries in regards to electricity surpassed the achievements of more prominent and established European scientists of his time. His work as a diplomat to France during the American Revolutionary War was key to the colonists breaking free from British control. He helped write the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constriction. It has been said that he was the only American President that wasn't accurately a President. How could one man accomplish so much in just one lifetime? Buy the book "Benjamin Franklin - A Short Biography" and find out! 30 Minute Book Series Welcome to the first book in the 30 Minute Book Series. Each book in the series is fast paced, well written, accurate, and covers the story in as much detail as a short book allows. In less than an hour, you can read or listen to the book; it is a perfect companion for a lunch hour or a nice distraction for a train ride home from work.About the AuthorDoug West is a retired engineer, small business owner, and an experienced non-fiction writer with several books to his credit. His writing interests are general, with special expertise in science, biographies, numismatics, and "How To" topics. Doug has a Ph.D. in General Engineering from Oklahoma State University.

Do you want to learn about William Penn but don't have the time or patience to read a thick book? Then this is the short and concise book for you! Some of the interesting accomplishments of William Penn covered in the book are: An early convert to the Society of Friends or Quaker religion. Wrote several books and pamphlets promoting his faith.One of the original proprietors of the colony of West Jersey.Was granted a large tract of land in North America from King Charles II of England.In 1681 established the proprietary colony of Pennsylvania in North America.Promoted the new colony of Pennsylvania in England and Europe, drawing thousands of colonists to the New World.Was an early advocate of religious freedom.Established friendly relationships and successful treaties with the Lenape Native America tribe.Wrote "Frame of Government" to establish a type of democratic government in the colony of Pennsylvania.And much more...The book "William Penn: Founder of Pennsylvania: A Short Biography" gives a crisp look at the life and times of William Penn. To illustrate the story of his life there are numerous pictures of the people, places, and events that were part of his life. In addition, the book contains: a list of reference books for further reading, a timeline of Penn's life, and a section that contains short biographical sketches of the key individuals in the book.Pick up your copy today by clicking the BUY button! 30-Minute Book SeriesThis is the 62nd book in the 30-Minute Book Series. Books in this series are fast-paced, accurate, and cover the story in as much detail as a short book possibly can. Most people complete each book in less than an hour, which makes the books in the series a perfect companion for your lunch hour, a school project, or a little down time.

Herbert Hoover led one of the most fascinating lives of an America in the twentieth century. Orphaned as a young boy he would graduate from Stanford University, build a fortune as a mining engineer, and become the most accomplished humanitarian of his era. His complex personality led many to view him as aloof and uncaring, though ironically through his extreme generosity he helped feed millions of starving Europeans during two World Wars. After a brilliant career as Secretary of Commerce he became president of the United States in 1928 which was at the high point of America's prosperity. Less than one year into his term, he was caught up in the economic maelstrom that put the stock market in free-fall and opened the first chapter of what would become the Great Depression. Hoover's approach to solving the nation's problems was to build a cooperative alliance between government and the business sector rather than rely solely on government largess. Though he came into the presidency in a time of exuberance, he would leave the office under a dark cloud of rejection and defeat. This is the story of man who through his sheer force of will rose to be one of the most accomplished figures in the land during the twentieth century. The book "Herbert Hoover: A Short Biography" gives a concise look at the life and times of the former president of the United States. To illustrate the story there are numerous pictures of the people, places, and events that were part of this man's fascinating life. In addition the book contains: a list of reference books for further reading, a timeline of President Hoover that puts the events of his life and that period of history in sequence, and a section that contains short biographical sketches of the key individuals in the book. 30-Minute Book SeriesThis is the 45th book in the 30-Minute Book Series. Books in this series are fast-paced, accurate, and cover the story in as much detail as a short book possibly can. Most people complete each book in less than an hour, which makes the books in the series a perfect companion for your lunch hour, a school project, or a little down time. About the AuthorDoug West is a retired engineer and an experienced non-fiction writer with several books to his credit. His writing interests are general, with special expertise in history, science, and biographies. Doug has a Ph.D. in General Engineering from Oklahoma State University.

Do you want to learn about the Declaration of Independence but don't have the time or patience to read a thick book? Then this is the short and concise book for you! Some of the interesting topics covered in the book are: Meeting of the First Continental Congress at Philadelphia in 1774 and how the delegates from the colonies dealt with the Coercive Acts forced upon the American colonists by the British.The impact of Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" on the cry for independence of the American colonies from Great Britain.The resolution introduced by the Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee that called for "That these United Colonies are, and of right to be, free and independent States, ..."Drafting of the Declaration of Independence led by Thomas Jefferson and the Committee of Five.The American public's reaction to the Declaration of Independence when it was released in early July 1776.Legacy of the Declaration, including the impact it had on the women's rights movement and President Lincoln's inspiration for emancipation of the slaves during the American Civil War.And much more...The book "Writing of the Declaration of Independence: A Short History" gives a crisp look at the history of the Declaration of Independence. To illustrate the story of this important document there are numerous pictures of the people, places, and events that help tell the story of this American icon. In addition, the book contains: a list of reference books for further reading, a timeline of the events surrounding the writing of the Declaration of Independence, and a section that contains short biographical sketches of the key individuals in the book. Pick up your copy today by clicking the BUY button!

Do you want to learn about the botanist John Bartram but don't have the time or patience to read a thick book? Then this is the short and concise book for you! Some of the many accomplishments of John Bartram were: Established one of America's first botanical gardens in Philadelphia.Held regular scientific correspondence with such notable scientists as: Peter Collinson, Carl Linnaeus, Alexander Garden, Benjamin Franklin, Cadwallader Colden, and more.Explored and recorded his journey into uncharted parts of up-state New York in the 1740s.Co-founded the American Philosophical Society with Benjamin Franklin.Several of Bartram's observations of natural phenomena were published in the prestigious journal the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society.Appointed "Botanist to His Majesty for the Floridas" by King George III.Along with his son, William Bartram, they explored, mapped, and gathered natural samples from the newly acquired British colony of East Florida.And more...The book "John Bartram: Colonial America's Premier Botanist: A Short Biography" gives a crisp look at the life and times of the renowned botanist and naturalist John Bartram. To illustrate the story of his life there are numerous pictures of the people, places, and events that were part of his life. In addition, the book contains: a list of reference books for further reading, a timeline of Bartram's life, and a section that contains short biographical sketches of the key individuals in the book.Pick up your copy today by clicking the BUY button! 30-Minute Book SeriesThis is the 60th book in the 30-Minute Book Series. Books in this series are fast-paced, accurate, and cover the story in as much detail as a short book possibly can. Most people complete each book in less than an hour, which makes the books in the series a perfect companion for your lunch hour, a school project, or a little down time.

Do you want to learn about the astronomer Tycho Brahe but don't have the time or patience to read a thick book? Then this is the short and concise book for you! Some of the interesting accomplishments of Tycho Brahe covered in the book are: Developed a series of accurate astronomical instruments predating the invention of the telescope.Developed the Tychonic system of the Solar System were the Moon orbits the Earth and the planets orbit the Sun, erroneously he determined the Sun orbited the Earth.From his observations of the supernovae of 1572, he refuted the belief of the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle of an unchanging celestial realm.By his careful observations of the great comet of 1577, he determined that comets were not atmosphere phenomena as previously held.On the island of Hven, off the coast of Denmark, he built a world class observatory and research institute called Uraniborg.Tycho's accurate observations of the planet Mars allowed his assistant and successor Johannes Kepler to develop the three laws of planetary motion.And much more...The book "The Astronomer Tycho Brahe: A Short Biography" gives a crisp look at the life and times of the renowned astronomer Tycho Brahe. To illustrate the story of his life there are numerous pictures of the people, places, and events that were part of his life. In addition, the book contains: a list of reference books for further reading, a timeline of Brahe's life, and a section that contains short biographical sketches of the key individuals in the book.Pick up your copy today by clicking the BUY button! 30-Minute Book SeriesThis is the 61st book in the 30-Minute Book Series. Books in this series are fast-paced, accurate, and cover the story in as much detail as a short book possibly can. Most people complete each book in less than an hour, which makes the books in the series a perfect companion for your lunch hour, a school project, or a little down time.About the Author Doug West is a retired engineer and an experienced non-fiction writer with dozens of books to his credit. His writing interests are general, with special expertise in history, science, and biographies. Doug has a Ph.D. in General Engineering from Oklahoma State University.

The decade after the First World War saw a period of growing prosperity and new freedoms for the average American. With help of clever bankers, brokers, and a supply of easy money the average man and woman found their path to wealth - the stock market. As moths are drawn to a flame, so were the gullible investors lured to the securities exchanges seeking to turn their pennies into dollars. For years the market just went up and up, and as the lyrics of the song of the time echoed, "Blue skies, Smiling at me, Nothing but blue skies, Do I see." By the end of the decade the cracks in the market and the teetering U.S. financial system would engulf the stock market, taking with it, billions of dollars and the hopes and dreams of so many Americans. As reported in the New York Times the crash came quickly, "It came with a speed and ferocity that left men dazed, The bottom simply fell out of the market..." Just as if a door closed and another one opened, America went from a time of exuberance to a time of despair - the Great Depression was unfolding, spreading misery in its wake. This is the story of the men and women that rode this wild stock market roller coaster and the changes that occurred in the market as a result. The book "The Great 1929 Stock Market Crash: A Short History" gives a concise look at the events leading up to the 1929 stock market crash and the aftermath. To illustrate the story there are numerous pictures of the people, places, and events that were part of this historic collapse. In addition the book contains: a list of reference books for further reading, a timeline of the market crash that puts the events and that period of history in sequence, and a section that contains short biographical sketches of the key individuals in the book. 30-Minute Book SeriesThis is the 46th book in the 30-Minute Book Series. Books in this series are fast-paced, accurate, and cover the story in as much detail as a short book possibly can. Most people complete each book in less than an hour, which makes the books in the series a perfect companion for your lunch hour, a school project, or a little down time

Tired of the banks paying low interest rates? Maybe it's time to consider dividend-paying stocks as an alternative. In the book, you will learn to select from thousands of available stocks and find a group of companies that will pay you each quarter with a steady or increasing dividend. Dividend-paying stocks are a conservative way to grow your wealth year after year. Learn about the dividend yield of your stock, the payout ratio, and the price-to-earnings ratio. Over time, the value of your investment will grow due to the effects of compound interest as you reinvest your dividends. The book contains a list of several proven dividend stocks that have an extensive track record of quarterly payments. Dividend-paying stocks are more stable and don't fluctuate in price as much as the general stock market. Learn which high-yield stocks are a trap and should be avoided.