An analysis of Abraham Lincoln's political talents identifies the strengths and abilities that enabled his election and describes how he used those same abilities to rally former opponents to win the Civil War.

A Harvard-trained neurosurgeon shares a minute-by-minute account of his religiously transformative near-death experience and revealing weeklong coma. He describes his scientific study of near-death phenomena while explaining what he learned about the nature of human consciousness.

A collection of stories about animals that have forged unlikely, abiding bonds with other animals of different species, from Koko the gorilla and All Ball the kitten to Owen the hippo and the tortoise Mzee.

The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2013 presents a reference with comprehensive facts and statistics on current events, people and the countries of the world, along with 2012 U.S. presidential election results, and original articles on recent issues and topics.

The best-selling author of Devil in the White City documents the efforts of William E. Dodd, the first American ambassador to Hitler's Germany, to acclimate to a residence in an increasingly violent city where he is forced to associate with the Nazis while his daughter pursues a relationship with Gestapo chief Rudolf Diels.

A collection of cat comics, facts and instructional guides from TheOatmeal.com.

A humanities professor describes the impact of the translation of the last remaining manuscript of On the Nature of Things by Roman philosopher Lucretius, which fueled the Renaissance and inspired artists, great thinkers and scientists.

The Almanac returns with weather predictions; astronomical data; gardening advice; and ideas, hints and charts that provide simple solutions for everyday challenges.

Humor writer Richard Benson collects hilariously wrong test answers.

The breakout star of Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock gives a humorous account of her life, as well as behind-the-scenes stories from her hit shows.

The writer and actor best known for her role on The Office shares observations on everything from favorite male archetypes and her hatred of dieting to her relationship with her mother and the haphazard creative process of The Office's writers' room.

Dancers Among Us presents photographs of dancers leaping and spinning in the midst of daily life: on the beach; at a construction site; in a library, a restaurant and a park.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer of Peter the Great presents a reconstruction of the 18th century empress's life that covers such topics as her efforts to engage Russia in the cultural life of Europe, her creation of the Hermitage art collection and her numerous scandal-free romantic affairs.

Susan Orlean chronicles the rise of the iconic German shepherd character, sharing the stories of the real World War I dog and canine performer and exploring Rin Tin Tin's relevance in military and popular culture.

A collection of advice on everything from infidelity and grief to marital boredom and financial hardships from Cheryl Strayed's popular "Dear Sugar" column in the online magazine The Rumpus.