Many Americans remember a family road trip to visit one of our 63 national parks. Why did Americans start preserving these sites of natural and historic interest? How were these parks selected, and what steps did conservationists, activists, philanthropists, politicians, and others take to protect millions of acres against the booming developments of an expanding nation? An award-winning writer, researcher, and American Studies scholar, Dr. Megan Kate Nelson tackles these questions as she takes you on a marvelous journey through some of the most beautiful places on Earth.

What is that magic quality that makes some people instantly loved and respected? Everyone wants to be their friend (or, if single, their lover!) In business, they rise swiftly to the top of the corporate ladder. What is their "Midas touch?"

England: From the Fall of Rome to the Norman Conquest takes you through the mists of time to the rugged landscape of the British Isles. Over the course of 24 sweeping lectures, Professor Jennifer Paxton of The Catholic University of America surveys the forging of a great nation from a series of warring kingdoms and migrating peoples. From Germanic tribes to Viking invasions to Irish missionaries, she brings to life an underexamined time and place.

The Middle Ages was a time of major historical shifts and transformations. This amazing era reverberates with discoveries, innovations, events, and historical processes that are integral to the world we know now. In these 24 enthralling lectures, Professor Salisbury leads you on a sumptuous tour of this incredible historical epoch, making clear that the remarkable historical currents and advances of the Middle Ages unfolded not only in the West, but across the globe, from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East to Asia, the Americas, and beyond.

The Old Testament is one of the foundational texts of Western civilization, and is among the most impactful and widely read books in world history. In 24 enthralling lectures, Professor Miller guides you through a core selection of the major books of the Old Testament, inviting you to probe their meaning and relevance in incisive and thought-provoking commentary. In Understanding the Old Testament, you’ll take a revelatory look at this epically impactful document, finding its deeper historical and religious meanings, as well as its sublime literary treasures.

In London in the Time of Dickens, you’ll get the unique opportunity to experience the British capital through the eyes of a literary master whose work is inextricably tied to the city and its rich history. Throughout 12 lectures taught by Professor Lillian Nayder of Bates College, you’ll tour the city of London in a time of rapid transformation through the life and work of Charles Dickens, uncovering the history of the metropolis, while also witnessing the everyday experiences of Londoners from all walks of life as Dickens represents them.

Many dread small talk and shy away from it as much as possible. But whether we like it or not, there’s no way we can escape small talk because it is part of everyday interactions. Humans are social creatures and we use conversation as our way to emotionally connect with each other. If you are one of them, worry not because you are about to learn the techniques to gracefully jumpstart a conversation with anyone in any situation.

昨年、イングリッシュビタミン社のあるシリコンバレーに在住の日本人（駐在員、主婦、語学留学生、大学生、大学院生）にアンケート調査をした結果、多くの人が動詞の時制や気持ちを伝達する助動詞、冠詞、前置詞、代名詞、慣用句などの使い方がはっきりしないという答えが返ってきました。それもそのはずです。例えば同じ現在完了進行形でも「既に終了している動作」と「まだ終了していない動作」の２つの違った用法があります。同じ「have been ?ing」の形なのにです。また気持ちを表現するのに大変重要な助動詞のShould、Could、Wouldなども明確に理解されていないのも事実です。そこで私たちが制作したのが、この「アメリカ人の心の英文法」。英文法、慣用句、そしてアメリカ人がどのように喜怒哀楽、つまり「心」を表現するのか。その全てをこのシリーズに詰め込みました。一般の文法書と違いネイティブが普段使うダイアログを使い、ダンとルリ子が楽しくレッスンを繰り広げています。状況を把握しながらレッスンは進みます。 各章の最後には「聴いて話す、リッスン＆リピート」の練習も付いています。知識と用法は、日本語で学び、慣用句は、英語で学びましょう！　実践でしっかり使いこなせるようにがんばりましょう！

Almost everything we want in life involves other people. Whether you want a better social life, a promotion at work, or a good romantic relationship, it all depends on the way you communicate. Lack of communication skills is exactly what ruins most peoples’ lives. Luckily, "communicating" is not only simple and straightforward but also easy to master, even if you’re shy, introverted or have social anxiety. This book will guide you on how you can quickly move through conversations, and express yourself in a manner that is conducive to relationship-building and productivity.