You're no idiot, of course. You know the American Revolution started when those guys in Boston threw some tea off a boat. Or was it when Paul Revere made his famous ride? Let's face it: when it comes to knowing about our nation's struggle for independence, our grade-school memories are about as trustworthy as Benedict Arnold. Don't blush red (or white, or blue) yet! The Complete Idiot's Guide® to the American Revolution is an authoritative overview of the conflict, filled with little-known facts that will enlighten even the most educated history buff. In this Complete Idiot's Guide®, you get:

Discusses American history from prehistory through 2006, including brief biographical sketches of historical figures and events from popular culture.

Discusses American history from prehistory through 2006, including brief biographical sketches of historical figures and events from popular culture.

We’re living in the midst of a scientific revolution that’s captured the general public’s attention and imagination. The aim of this new revolution is to develop a “theory of everything”—a set of laws of physics that will explain all that can be explained, ranging from the tiniest subatomic particle to the universe as a whole. Here, readers will learn the ideas behind the theories, and their effects upon our world, our civilization, and ourselves. The Complete Idiot’s Guide® String Theory explains how this exciting idea holds up against competing theories. In this Complete Idiot’s Guide®, you get: • Clear explanation of quantum mechanics, Einstein’s theories of relativity, and how string theory unites them. • A quick, easy-to-understand overview of competing theories and how they might be tested. • Fast facts about black holes, what’s inside them, how they’re made, and why they’re so paradoxical. • Simple, smart tips to help you visualize extra dimensions.

Provides an overview of the conflict that includes personal anecdotes of the officers and soldiers, as well as essential information.

Become an expert on the Revolutionary War American Revolution For Dummies capitalizes on the recent resurgence of interest in the Revolutionary War period—one of the most important in the history of the United States. From the founding fathers to the Declaration of Independence, and everything that encapsulates this extraordinary period in American history, American Revolution For Dummies is your one-stop guide to the birth of the United States of America. Understanding the critical issues of this era is essential to the study of subsequent periods in American history … and this book makes it more accessible than ever before. Covers events leading up to the war, including the Sugar Act, Stamp Act, and the Boston Tea Party Provides information on The Declaration of Independence Offers insight on major battles, including the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, and Yorktown Reviews key figures, including George Washington, Charles Cornwallis, the Marquis de Lafayette, and Alexander Hamilton If you want or need to become more knowledgeable about the American War of Independence and the people and period surrounding it, this book gives you the information necessary to become an expert on the essential details of the revolutionary period.

Join the digital revolution With the availability and affordability of digital movie-making equipment, it’s now easier than ever for aspiring filmmakers to create the great movie they’ve always wanted to make. From information on creating mini-films on a PDA to making low-budget, full-length digital movies, The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Digital Video provides all the information you need to turn your idea into reality. • A must-read for every film student or novice • Covers all aspects of production, from casting and directing to light and sound to digital editing • Includes 8–page, 4–color insert • Up–to–date recommendations on equipment and software • Clear, easy-to-follow instructions and guidance, as well as all the practical, artistic, and technical “step–by–step” advice that only an experienced writer/director can offer