Welcome to a trip to the heart of the United States, to the vibrant capital city of Washington, D.C. This unique city is not only a political center, but also a treasure chest full of history, culture and secrets waiting to be discovered. In this book, we invite you to explore the fascinating secrets of the capital, from the iconic monuments and buildings to the lesser-known but equally impressive places and activities that Washington, D.C. has to offer. Let's start with the White House, the most famous residence in the United States, and the Capitol, the seat of Congress, where the laws of the land are created. The National Mall stretches as a green oasis of history, offering breathtaking views of monuments such as the Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial. The Smithsonian Institution, the largest museum complex in the world, is home to treasures from culture and science. Washington, D.C. also boasts a thriving arts scene, from galleries to theaters on U Street. Georgetown enchants with its history, shopping and culinary delights. The National Library is a treasure trove of knowledge, and the city prides itself on its culinary diversity, from food trucks to gourmet restaurants. The history of the Civil War and family activities at museums and events are other highlights. The Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery are important symbols of American defense and honor.

Today, there are more than twenty complete zodiacs in Washington, D.C., each one pointing to an extraordinary mystery. David Ovason, who has studied these astrological devices for ten years, now reveals why they have been placed in such abundance in the center of our nation's capital and explains their interconnections. His richly illustrated text tells the story of how Washington, from its foundation in 1791, was linked with the zodiac, with the meaning of certain stars, and with a hidden cosmological symbolism that he uncovers here for the first time. Fascinating and thoroughly researched, The Secret Architecture of Our Nation 's Capital is an engrossing book that raises provocative questions and otters complex insights into the meanings behind the mysterious symbols in Washington.

This Insight Guide is a lavishly illustrated inspirational travel guide to the USA West Coast and a beautiful souvenir of your trip. Perfect for travellers looking for a deeper dive into the destination's history and culture, it's ideal to inspire and help you plan your travels. With its great selection of places to see and colourful magazine-style layout, this USA West Coast guidebook is just the tool you need to accompany you before or during your trip. Whether it's deciding when to go, choosing what to see or creating a travel plan to cover key places like Los Angeles, Death Valley, Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe, San Diego, Grand Canyon, it will answer all the questions you might have along the way. It will also help guide you when you'll be exploring Seattle or discovering San Francisco on the ground. Our USA West Coast travel guide was fully-updated post-COVID-19. The Insight Guide USA WEST COAST covers: Seattle, Puget Islands, Olympic and Washington Coast, Western Oregon, Portland and Central Oregon, Oregon Coast, Northern California, Wine Country, Central Valley, San Francisco and the Bay, Monterey Big Sur, Southern California, Los Angeles, San Diego. In this guide book to the USA West Coast you will find: IN-DEPTH CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL FEATURES Created to provide a deeper dive into the culture and the history of the USA West Coast to get a greater understanding of its modern-day life, people and politics. BEST OF The top attractions and Editor's Choice featured in this USA West Coast guide book highlight the most special places to visit. TIPS AND FACTS Up-to-date historical timeline and in-depth cultural background to the USA West Coast as well as an introduction to the USA West Coast's food and drink, and fun destination-specific features. PRACTICAL TRAVEL INFORMATION A-Z of useful advice on everything, from when to go to the USA West Coast, how to get there and how to get around, to the USA West Coast's climate, advice on tipping, etiquette and more. COLOUR-CODED CHAPTERS Every part of the destination, from South Carolina to Seattle has its own colour assigned for easy navigation of this USA West Coast travel guide. CURATED PLACES, HIGH-QUALITY MAPS Geographically organised text, cross-referenced against full-colour, high-quality travel maps for quick orientation in Boston, Buffalo and many other locations in the USA West Coast. STRIKING PICTURES This guide book to the USA West Coast features inspirational colour photography, including the stunning Yellowstone National Park and the spectacular Niagara Falls.

The Rough Guide to Turkey is a must for all discerning travellers heading to this fascinating country that straddles Europe and Asia. The most comprehensive and informed travel guide on the market, offering insightful coverage taking readers from the stunning trails of the Lycian Way on the Turquoise coast to the iconic dome of Aya Sofia, and from legendary sites such as Troy and Ephesus to the fairytale landscapes of Cappadocia. Packed with practical advice on everything from how to buy the finest kilims (rugs) to details on catching dolmuses, The Rough Guide to Turkey has all you need to find the best places to stay and eat, with trusted reviews you can rely on and options to suit all budgets. Complete with stunning photography, itineraries to help plan your trip and detailed maps to navigate your way through even the most maze-like towns, it's easy to see why The Rough Guide to Turkey is such an invaluable addition to your suitcase.

Discover Maryland with Moon Travel Guides! Explore the rustic beauty of the Chesapeake Bay, experience Baltimore's unique urban vibe, and uncover a slice of classic Americana with Moon Maryland. What you'll find in Moon Maryland: Strategic itineraries for any budget and timeline, ranging from weekend trips to Washington DC and Baltimore, to five days on the Eastern Shore Detailed maps and handy reference photos throughout Curated advice for history buffs, foodies, beach-goers, outdoor adventurers, and more Must-see attractions and off-beat ideas for making the most of your trip: Explore Baltimore's world-class museums, check out the National Aquarium, or wander the bustling Inner Harbor. Browse the trendy boutiques in historic Annapolis and unwind with a craft beer as the boats sway in the harbor. Visit the U.S. Naval Academy, or hear the stories behind Revolutionary War battlefields and Civil War landmarks. Hike verdant trails, go rock climbing on Sugarloaf Mountain, or try your hand at sailing. Relax on a quiet beach, spot wild ponies roaming freely, and crack claws at an authentic crab shack Honest advice from Maryland expert Michaela Riva Gaaserud on when to go, what to pack, and where to stay, from luxury hotels and historic inns to beach campgrounds Recommendations for families, LGBTQ+ travelers, seniors, international visitors, traveling with pets, and travelers with disabilities Thorough background on the culture, weather, wildlife, and history With Moon's local insight, diverse activities, and expert tips on experiencing the best of Maryland, you can plan your trip your way! Exploring more of the Mid-Atlantic? Try Moon Virginia & Maryland. For more beach adventures, try Moon Coastal Carolinas.

The New York Times Bestseller A New York Times Notable Book of 2022 Named one of Vanity Fair's “Best Books of 2022” “Not since Robert Caro’s Years of Lyndon Johnson have I been so riveted by a work of history. Secret City is not gay history. It is American history.” —George Stephanopoulos Washington, D.C., has always been a city of secrets. Few have been more dramatic than the ones revealed in James Kirchick’s Secret City. For decades, the specter of homosexuality haunted Washington. The mere suggestion that a person might be gay destroyed reputations, ended careers, and ruined lives. At the height of the Cold War, fear of homosexuality became intertwined with the growing threat of international communism, leading to a purge of gay men and lesbians from the federal government. In the fevered atmosphere of political Washington, the secret “too loathsome to mention” held enormous, terrifying power. Utilizing thousands of pages of declassified documents, interviews with over one hundred people, and material unearthed from presidential libraries and archives around the country, Secret City is a chronicle of American politics like no other. Beginning with the tragic story of Sumner Welles, Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s brilliant diplomatic advisor and the man at the center of “the greatest national scandal since the existence of the United States,” James Kirchick illuminates how homosexuality shaped each successive presidential administration through the end of the twentieth century. Cultural and political anxiety over gay people sparked a decades-long witch hunt, impacting everything from the rivalry between the CIA and the FBI to the ascent of Joseph McCarthy, the struggle for Black civil rights, and the rise of the conservative movement. Among other revelations, Kirchick tells of the World War II–era gay spymaster who pioneered seduction as a tool of American espionage, the devoted aide whom Lyndon Johnson treated as a son yet abandoned once his homosexuality was discovered, and how allegations of a “homosexual ring” controlling Ronald Reagan nearly derailed his 1980 election victory. Magisterial in scope and intimate in detail, Secret City will forever transform our understanding of American history.

Scores of talented and dedicated people serve the forensic science community, performing vitally important work. However, they are often constrained by lack of adequate resources, sound policies, and national support. It is clear that change and advancements, both systematic and scientific, are needed in a number of forensic science disciplines to ensure the reliability of work, establish enforceable standards, and promote best practices with consistent application. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward provides a detailed plan for addressing these needs and suggests the creation of a new government entity, the National Institute of Forensic Science, to establish and enforce standards within the forensic science community. The benefits of improving and regulating the forensic science disciplines are clear: assisting law enforcement officials, enhancing homeland security, and reducing the risk of wrongful conviction and exoneration. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States gives a full account of what is needed to advance the forensic science disciplines, including upgrading of systems and organizational structures, better training, widespread adoption of uniform and enforceable best practices, and mandatory certification and accreditation programs. While this book provides an essential call-to-action for congress and policy makers, it also serves as a vital tool for law enforcement agencies, criminal prosecutors and attorneys, and forensic science educators.