Check out these new arrivals at the Astoria Public Library, and visit the Web site www.astorialibrary.org

Baseball is the topic of two new books by Peter Morris.

How has the equipment evolved? What are the concepts behind the rules and regulations? Whether the topic is pitching, umpires, uniforms or time outs, “A Game of Inches: The Game on the Field” has the answers.

When the information you want is about fans or marketing, statistics or team building, “A Game of Inches: The Game Behind the Scenes” is great for being able to talk baseball with anyone anywhere.

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Great civilizations have come and gone. Jared Diamond examines the collapse of some of those civilizations in “Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed.” How resources are perceived and managed, environmental changes and unchecked population growth are three of the indicators, among others, that Diamond explores.

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Arthritis and fibromyalgia are painful conditions to endure. “Water Exercises for Fibromyalgia: The Gentle Way to Relax and Reduce Pain,” by Ann A. Rosenstein, covers many kinds of exercises including stretching, aerobic, balancing and strengthening. The author also includes information on medications, herbs, diet and nutrition.

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In “Rekindled, Book One of the Fountain Creek Chronicles,” by Tamera Alexander, Kathryn has been married for 10 years. She is determined to honor her vows, but when her husband disappears and she is left to struggle with the ranch by herself, she can no longer ignore her husband’s past.

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How does our universe work? What is our universe made of and how is it changing? Joel Primack and Nancy Abrams attempt to answer these questions in “The View from the Center of the Universe.” Primack, who developed the theory of Cold Dark Matter, writes in clear, direct and understandable prose.

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A little-known aspect of the American Revolution involved the relocation of many slaves who freed themselves and set up lives in the British Empire. One of George Washington’s slaves, Harry, made his way to Sierra Leone. Australian author Cassandra Pybus describes these events in “Epic Journeys of Freedom: Runaway Slaves of the American Revolution and their Global Quest for Liberty.”

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In the year 2047, India will be approaching its centenary celebration. Irish author Ian McDonald has written “River of Gods: August 14, 2047 – Happy Birthday, India,” a novel in which nine characters in this complex country of more than a billion come together. In the midst of war, celebration and love, nine strangers will make a difference.

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Anna Quindlen offers her fans a new novel, “Rise and Shine.” Meghan and Bridget are sisters who share a past that includes the deepest of bonds. While Bridget labors anonymously as a social worker, Meghan is the host of the number one morning television talk show. The impact of Meghan’s public life deeply affects them both.

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Working hard and being determined were all that designer Dana Buchman needed in life. But when her toddler was diagnosed with major learning disabilities, Buchman had to learn new life skills herself. “A Special Education: One Family’s Journey through the Maze of Learning Disabilities” is her memoir.