The stories behind more than 50 secret projects undertaken by the famed Lockheed Martin Skunk Works on behalf of the US Armed Forces, DARPA, and the CIA - all illustrated with official Skunk Works photography and commissioned artworks. Hatched in June 1943 after a special request of the US Army Air Forces to develop a turbojet-powered fighter to counter growing German threats, Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works has gone on to develop remarkable aeronautical and space technologies, including stealth. Some have made it into production, while others never quite made it off drafting boards and computer screens, but proved fascinating nonetheless. This generously illustrated history tackles Skunk Works programs ranging from jet fighters and jet engines to missiles and rockets, helicopters, research aircraft, airships, unmanned aerial vehicles and recon drones, and even the seagoing stealth ship Sea Shadow - more than 50 in all. Author Steve Pace examines the historical context which led government organizations to approach the Skunk Works, as well as the technologies and projects developed there (often on a handshake and unburdened by bureaucracies), and the anecdotes and legends associated with each program. Pace includes official Skunk Works photography of the projects taken both at its headquarters and at test facilities such as Area 51. In addition, commissioned color artworks help further illustrate many of these projects featured herein. In addition to profiling legendary aircraft like the F-80, F-94, F-104, U-2, SR-71, F-117, and F-35, Pace takes on more obscure projects from the past as well as those still to come, such as the hypersonic SR-72 and High Speed Strike Weapon, and even offers a peak into what the future might hold with the proposed TR-X.

"The Heritage of the Desert" is a 1910 Western novel by American author Zane Grey. The story revolves around John Hare, a young man who travels to the West to recuperate and start a new life. However, when he reaches his destination he is accused of being "Dene's spy" and must endeavour to avoid those who wish him harm. "The Heritage of the Desert" is a fantastic example of classic Western literature complete with animal heroes, loyal Indian companion, rustlers, thieves and much more. Pearl Zane Grey (1872 - 1939) was an American writer most famous for his adventure novels of the Western genre. Other notable works by this author include: "Riders of the Purple Sage" (1912), "The Last Trail" (1906), and "The Lone Star Ranger" (1915). Grey continues to be widely read, and his novels and short stories have been adapted for the screen more than a hundred times. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction and biography of the author.

This is Book Two of the (soft) Sci-Fi/Fantasy trilogy The Eye of Venus. Twenty years have passed since Boyd and Sara left Chiaros. They are now parents of several children, two of whom—Jay and Claire—are fully grown and want to go to Chiaros, the place of their parent’s misadventures. Their stated reason is to thank the Old Timers there for saving their parents. But Jay, at least, is interested in looking for the emerald, The Eye of Venus. His interest is stoked by his girlfriend/fiancé, who is not what she seems.

As Hawk lies on the bottom of the pool paralyzed he realizes the gypsy was right again. How long can he hold his breath before someone notices? Will he be able to pull through this to finish the remaining predictions? Greg Hawk's memoir of a life's adventure takes a drastic turn at the end of a divorce as he listens to a gypsy lady in New Zealand predict things on the path ahead. Every obstacle on his path in life has put him on another tangent of learning and struggle, at times driving him to the edge of defeat. During these years, death seemed to be a constant companion as he witnessed it, as well as facing it personally. As a soldier, a husband, a divorcee, a partner of a successful construction business in Denver, owner of Fantasy Dive Charters in Australia, to being a treasure hunter in the mountains and desert of the Southwest, he faced many self-imposed challenges." Random Tangents is a celebration of a life well-lived, of obstacles overcome, of the triumph of spirit. And let's face it, sometimes a little luck."