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Nestling more than 1000km (600 miles) from the South American coast among the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos are famous as the source of Charles Darwin?s theory of evolution, following his historic visit to the archipelago aboard HMS Beagle in 1835. Today, these 19 islands and the surrounding marine reserve have been called a unique ?living museum and showcase of evolution?. Located at the confluence of three ocean currents, the Galápagos are a melting pot of diverse marine species. Local volcanic activity is testament to the process that formed these islands. Combined with the extreme isolation of the archipelago, this has led to the development of some rare and unusual animals, such as the land iguana, blue-footed booby and the many types of finch, which are featured ? along with the penguins, sea lions and Galapagos hawks ? in vivid detail in this book. Arranged in chapters that include geology, sea life, fauna and flora, Galapagos Islands is an evocative exploration of this remarkable eco system and the life that has developed there ? from the volcanic peaks of Cerro Azul and Wolf Volcano to the famous giant tortoise, flightless cormorant and waved albatross. 180 superb colour photographs of the landscape, flora and fauna of the islands Expert text explains the fascinating stories behind the images presented Wide selection ranging from animals and sea life to birds, plants and geological features such as volcanoes and rock formations

Napoleon, Mussolini, Voltaire, even Mafia man John Gotti ? they all read Machiavelli?s The Prince. Philosophers such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, David Hume and Adam Smith were influenced by it. And the book?s ideas led to the term Machiavellian entering the language. But the influence of The Prince has reached far beyond the world of politics, with business and management gurus applying Machiavelli?s ideas to corporate strategy: what was true for princes then, can be applied by leaders today. Machiavelli himself was a Florentine politician and diplomat who admired and knew Cesare Borgia, and was himself a victim of torture by the Medici family. Written in the early 16th century, The Prince is a treatise is on how princes can not only best gain, but maintain power. He suggests how princes can avoid being hated but remain being feared by their people, he advocates pragmatic realism against political idealism, he encourages ambition, he defends evil and explains through classical and Renaissance examples which princes are the most successful. Of immense importance to politicians and corporate leaders, The Prince is a classic text richly deserving this exquisite edition. A beautifully packaged book for anyone interested in the politics of countries or companies A classic text, classically presented A superb, accessible translation with editorial notes

Long shrouded in secrecy, alchemy is now recognized as the ancestor of modern chemistry. Before the advent of modern science, alchemy was the ancient art of transformation, a way of combining matter to create a divine force. Today alchemy retains a strong pull on the imagination, with its tales of turning base metals into gold and mixing potions to create the elixir of life, a draught that brings immortality. Alchemy Illustrated offers a vivid illustrated guide to this lost art, introducing the reader to the main developments in alchemy and the most famous people to have dabbled in this speculative science. Discover the alchemical elements and their properties, a precursor to the periodic table, which included such substances such as bismuth, sulfur and moon-silver, the last of these symbolizing intuition, resurrection and illumination; learn about the Philosopher?s Stone, a mythic alchemical substance capable of turning base metals into gold, and pursued by famous scientists such as Isaac Newton, who wrote more than a million words on alchemy during his lifetime; and encounter Hennig Brand, who in 1669 accidentally discovered the chemical element phosphorus during alchemical experimentation. Beautifully produced in traditional Chinese binding, Alchemy Illustrated introduces the reader to the history of alchemy, its practice, symbols and famous alchemists through the ages. A beautifully packaged gift using classic Chinese binding Ideal for anyone interested in the history, practice and significance of alchemy Provides an introductory guide for the non-expert

“What is Life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset.” — Black Elk, Oglala Sioux Founded on stories and myths told orally, the wisdom of Native American peoples has been passed down through generations, revealing the origins of a tribe, chronicling the heroes who fought the gods, showing how to reach Wakan-Taka (the Great Spirit), exploring the nature of the True Peace and reflecting on the changing landscape with the arrival of European settlers. Beautifully produced in traditional Chinese binding, Native American Legends Illustrated offers more than 80 thought-provoking proverbs on the spirit world, family, fathers and sons, animals and plants, and the changing seasons, in the words of the people who have inhabited the North American continent for thousands of years – the Iroquois, Algonquin, Cheyenne, Hopi, Dakota and Sioux – to name a few. Many quotes are from well-known Native American leaders, such as the Blackfoot warrior Crowfoot, the legendary Apache leader Geronimo, and famous Oglala Lakota medicine man Black Elk.

A stunning look at Earth''s wildlife and natural history, including rocks, minerals, animals, plants, fungi and more! Arranged by biome, Natural History of the World offers a broad overview of the most important animals and vegetation in each region. These zones help us understand the ranges of plants and animals, including identifying species that may be under threat from habitat loss. Climate zones can even help farmers and gardeners understand which plants will grow best in their area. From the arid, desolate Sahara, the largest hot desert in the world where temperatures can exceed 40°C (100°F), to Macapá in Brazil where the tropical monsoon climate means over six months of rain from December to July every year, marvel at the beauty and variety that exists on our planet and has done so for millions of years. Striking imagery is accompanied with easy-to-read, accessible information, making it a riveting, essential history. Natural History of the World is an explorative, pictorial guide to every environment on the planet and how nature has evolved to live there, ranging from the Mesozoic Era to the present day. Includes over 550 photographs of flora and fauna throughout natural history Expert text provides a concise examination of the natural history of the Earth Offers an accessible overview of natural history for the general reader

Fighter Aircraft of World War II features more than 100 of the greatest and most important aircraft to serve in the Axis and Allied forces during the Second World War. Classics such as the Supermarine Spitfire, Focke-Wulf Fw 190 and Grumman F6F Hellcat carrier fighter are displayed in vivid detail. Important but lesser-known types, such as the barrel-shaped Polikarpov I-15 and Heinkel He 162 jet fighter provide a wide-ranging assessment. Each aircraft is illustrated with three artworks and a photograph, showing the markings and camouflage of each model. Accompanying text puts the type?s development, production and service history into context. There is also a specifications table for each aircraft detailing dimensions, performance, weight, powerplant and armament. Presented in a compact, pocket-size volume, Fighter Aircraft of World War II is a vivid and authoritative guide to the greatest fighter types of the Second World War. More than 100 military aircraft featured, each one illustrated by three artworks and a photograph Includes dimensions, weight, armament and powerplant details for each type Features background text on each aircraft?s development and service history

? 150 striking colour photographs ? Expert text explains the fascinating stories behind each castle ? Wide selection of entries from Scotland, Ireland, Wales and the Isle of Man Some of the most romantic castles in the world are found in the Celtic nations on the northwestern fringes of Europe. These strongholds may now largely be ruined, but in their dilapidation they have gained an air of mystery and beauty. The people they once protected are gone, the borders they guarded have dissolved, the fragile communities and wooden buildings that built up around them have been dismantled. Only the castles, centuries on, remain ? proof of how robustly they were constructed in the first place. From the tip of southern Ireland to northern Scotland, from castles maintained over the centuries to ones that are now mere ruins, Castles of Scotland, Ireland & Wales celebrates the stories behind more than 100 strongholds. In these we find tales of religious dissent, of English Parliamentarians attacking Irish Catholic refuges, of warring Scottish clans, of the Welsh fighting for independence. And in the buildings we find such curiosities as Britain?s only triangular castle or the hiding place for the Scottish crown jewels. With 150 outstanding colour photographs, Castles of Scotland, Ireland & Wales is a brilliant pictorial examination of worlds gone by.

Gaining insight into our deeper selves through the use of divination tools to help decide future actions has preoccupied mankind since ancient times. In Europe, cards which became known as Tarot have been used to map the soul and predict the future since the 16th century. The 78 cards in the Tarot deck each has its own imagery, symbolism and story. This beautiful pocket edition showcases each card from the Rider-Waite set, the one most commonly used by Tarot readers. Practitioners believe that the 22 Major Arcana cards represent life?s karmic and spiritual lessons, and the 56 Minor Arcana cards reflect the trials and tribulations of everyday life. Tarot offers an elegantly presented, concise guide to the 78 cards, from number 0 The Fool ? who represents unlimited potential, through The Hermit ? who represents a break from everyday life, to number 21 The World ? which indicates a sense of wholeness, completion and fulfilment. Beautifully packaged in handy pocket format Features full colour illustrations of all 78 Tarot cards from the most popular Rider-Waite set Provides a concise description and key meanings for each card

Written in the 6th century BC, Sun Tzu?s The Art of War is still used as a book of military strategy today. Napoleon, Mae Zedong, General Vo Nguyen Giap and General Douglas MacArthur all claimed to have drawn inspiration from it. And beyond the world of war, business and management gurus have also applied Sun Tzu?s ideas to office politics and corporate strategy. Using a new translation by James Trapp and including editorial notes, this bilingual edition of The Art of War lays the original Chinese text opposite the modern English translation. The book contains the full original 13 chapters on such topics as laying plans, attacking by stratagem, weaponry, terrain and the use of spies. Sun Tzu addresses different campaign situations, marching, energy and how to exploit your enemy?s weaknesses. Of immense influence to great leaders across millennia, The Art of War is a classic text richly deserving this exquisite edition. A beautifully packaged book for anyone interested in strategy, war and Chinese civilization A classic text, classically presented A new and authoritative translation with notes

The 2,500 year old Yi-jing or I Ching, translated as the ''Book of Changes'', is an ancient Chinese work of divination and prophesy. Dating from the 4th century BCE, it is traditionally consulted by performing complex routines of dropping bundles of dried grass stalks. The particular patterns formed when six stalks are dropped are represented by 64 symbols called hexagrams, which show every possible combination of broken and unbroken stalks. The Book of Changes tells how to interpret the hexagrams to decide which is the best approach or action in a given situation. I Chingfeatures the 64 hexagrams and their successive interpretations, including the Judgment, written by King Wen in the 12th Century BCE, The Commentary and The Image (both attributed to Confucius, 6?5th Century BCE), and The Lines, written by King Wen?s son. Accompanying The Lines are present-day interpretative texts. In a handy pocket edition with 75 illustrations, this book will allow anyone fascinated by the traditional philosophies of the East to follow in the footsteps of Confucius and use the I Ching to predict their destiny. Perfect for anyone interested in eastern spirituality and culture Features representations of the 64 hexagrams of the I Ching, accompanied by their interpretations Explains the symbolism and meaning behind the I Ching

Crocodiles, alligators, caimans, gila monsters ? these creatures all have dinosaur ancestries dating from 94 million years ago. There is something elemental and scary about a crocodile, with its tough scaly skin, long powerful tail, conical, peg-like teeth and vicious bite. And these creatures can still be found in every part of the world. Divided by continent, Crocodiles, Alligators & Lizards introduces the American alligator, an apex predator that swims the coasts, estuaries and swamps of southeast USA feeding on fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals; the black caiman, which can grow up to an enormous 6 metres (20ft) in length and prefers the habitat of the slow-moving rivers and lakes of the Amazon basin; the frilled lizard, which spreads its frilly neck when threatened or to impress other lizards; the gila monster, whose two- tone camouflage colouring allows it to easily blend into its desert habitat; and the Komodo dragon, which can run up to 20km/h (13mph) over short distances and has a venomous bite that can paralyze large animals. With detailed captions explaining the origins, habitat and behaviour of these fascinating species, Crocodiles, Alligators & Lizards is a vivid pocket pictorial guide in over 200 brilliant photographs. Over 200 stunning photographs of the main species of crocodile, alligator and lizard Expert text explains each creature''s diet, habitat and behaviour Includes a wide range of habitats, from the Amazon jungle to the Nile River

The joy of chess lies in its endless possibilities. With each move, you immerse yourself in a world of strategy, calculation and creativity. Every game presents a unique challenge, testing players? intellect and intuition to the maximum. Chess is also known for its ornate and beautiful pieces as much as it is for strategy and tactics. Even many people who don?t play will often display a polished wooden set in their homes. Chess offers a compact, accessible introduction to the pieces, classic sets and basic moves of this supreme game of strategy. Learn about the Staunton chess pattern, which provides a model for most modern chess sets; marvel at the Isle of Lewis chess pieces, which offer a fascinating insight into the culture and wider connections of medieval Scotland; and understand how skilled players use pawns to control the centre of the board. The book also includes features on some of the great players and classic games of the modern era. Beautifully produced in traditional Chinese binding with 100 illustrations and photographs, Chess will fascinate anyone interested in the material culture of one of the world?s oldest and most widely played games. A beautifully packaged gift using classic Chinese binding Includes more than 100 illustrations and photographs Offers an accessible, high-quality guide to chess pieces, sets and classic moves

Describing the most intriguing creatures on the planet, from the big cats of Africa to the apes that are our closest evolutionary ancestors and the whales and dolphins that roam the world?s oceans, Animals profiles over 400 of the world?s most fascinating species, offering a truly comprehensive overview of animals from every continent and giving a sense of the incredible diversity of animal types. Featured animals are grouped by order, then within each order by family; each family section contains examples of the key species, which are illustrated with beautifully detailed, full-colour artworks. For easy reference, each entry includes a table of information on scientific name, order and family, features, habitats, distribution, diet and breeding, as well as informative maps and detailed box features. Packed full of information and colour, Animals is guaranteed to appeal to any budding zoologist or animal enthusiast. Easy-to-read and informative features on more than 400 animals from around the world, arranged in an accessible spread-by-spread format A handy reference guide for students as well as general readers, as it includes colourful and striking examples from all of the world''s major animal families Illustrates each animal?s anatomy, habits and geographical spread with a total of more than 2000 photographs and artworks

From coastal to alpine, tropical to temperate, coniferous to deciduous, forest trees not only support the wildlife that lives under their canopies, but humankind, too. We could not survive without the cooling effect that trees have on the planet. Yet for thousands of years, we have logged forest trees and tapped their resin, we have hunted and foraged among them, found sources of medicine in their leaves and bark, and created sacred groves under their canopies. In some places we have cleared so much land that it is possible the trees will never grow back. Habitats have been lost as global temperatures have continued to rise. But, despite the environmental damage, there is hope, too. Some areas of abandoned farmland have been reclaimed by trees. And if we look to the Mayan ruins in Mexico, we see how forests can bury even a society’s grandest buildings. Given the opportunity, forests won’t just outlive us, but our civilisations, too. In this book, Kieron Connolly surveys forests from all around the globe, from deforestation in the Amazon to the reforestation of Californian redwoods, from England’s New Forest to Germany’s Black Forest, telling the stories of humankind’s ancient links to the trees and the flora and fauna found among them. Ranging from ecology to history, from the ravaged to the rewilded, and featuring more than 230 striking photographs, Forests is a fascinating exploration of woodland life around the world.

The world?s largest and most populous continent with 4.6 billion inhabitants, Asia offers a variety of culture and landscape unmatched elsewhere, ranging from the 6000km- (3728 mile-) long Yangtze River ? the heart of Chinese culture and commercial life for millennia ? to the deepest recesses of the Bornean rainforest, one of the most biodiverse environments on the planet. Divided into five chapters by region, Asia is a sumptuous introduction to this most vibrant of continents. Explore the 12th century Hindu complex at Angkor Wat; be amazed at the beauty of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam; learn about the Great Wall of China, the world?s longest and oldest fortification dating back to the seventh century BC; and gaze upon the iconic Mt Fuji, one of Japan?s three holy mountains and the highest in the country. With over 180 vivid photographs of Asia, this book offers a pictorial exploration of the culture, flora and fauna of this hugely diverse continent. Includes 180 superb photographs showcasing every aspect of the Asian continent Expert text explains the fascinating stories behind the images The book ranges from the sparse Gobi Desert to the verdant jungles of Sumatra

Mesoamerica experienced a significant flourishing in the years beginning with Early Classic period, through to the Maya civilisation and culminating in the eventual fall of the Aztec civilisation in the 16th Century CE. Through these treasures of fine art and architecture we can uncover the mysteries of the myths, gods and religions of the time and appreciate the true cultural legacy left behind. Did you know that flat top pyramids such as the Temple of the Feathered Serpent in Teotihuacan are characteristic of ancient Aztec and Mayan architecture? They were not only religious structures but served as sites of internment for leading rulers of the time. Aspects of the Mesoamerican cultural heritage still survived among the ensuing Spanish colonial rule and continues to be observed today among the indigenous peoples who inhabit the area of Mesoamerica. Explore the closer details of familiar sites such as the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá, and discover hidden treasures at the Mayan zone of Edzna. Many artefacts from this period are now displayed for the public to enjoy in museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Treasures of the Aztecs, Inca & Other Mesoamericans tells the tale of some familiar places and artefacts – alongside many which are less familiar, but just as spectacular – framed by a knowledgeable, detailed account of the rise and fall of Mesoamerica. Over 150 colour photographs complete this fascinating exploration of Ancient Aztec, Inca and Mayan cultures and their lasting contributions to world history, art and architecture.