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National history is a vital part of national self-definition. Most books on the history of the world try to impose a uniform narrative, written usually from a single writer's point of view. Histories of Nations is different: it presents 28 essays written by a leading historian as a 'self-portrait' of his or her native country, defining the characteristics that embody its sense of nationhood. The countries have been selected to represent every continent and every type of state, large and small, and together they make up two-thirds of the world's population. They range from mature democracies to religious autocracies and one-party states, from countries with a venerable history to those who only came into being in the 20th century. In order to get to grips with the national and cultural differences that both enliven and endanger our world, we need above all to understand different national viewpoints - to read the always engaging and often passionate accounts given in this remarkable and unusual book. Original and thoughtprovoking, this is a crucial primer for the modern age.

Deep underground, hidden from view, some of humanity's earliest artistic endeavours have lain buried for thousands of years. The most ancient artworks were portable objects, left on cave floors. Shell beads signal that 100,000 years ago humans had developed a sense of self and a desire to beautify the body; ostrich eggshells incised with curious geometric patterns hint at how communities used art, through the power of symbols, to communicate ways of doing things and bind people together. In time, people came to adorn cave walls with symbols, some abstract, others vivid arrangements of animals and humans. Often undisturbed for tens of thousands of years, these were among the first visual symbols that humans shared with each other. However, as archaeologist Bruno David reveals, we have ways of unlocking their secrets. Sometimes these lie in the art itself, sometimes lying on the ground, or buried beneath where people have left traces of what they did, footprints of the ancestors. In pictures and words, David tells the story of this mysterious world of decorated caves, from the oldest known 'painting kits', found virtually intact after their use 100,000 years ago in South Africa, to the magnificent murals of the European Ice Age that are so famous today. Showcasing the most astounding discoveries made in the past 150 years of archaeological exploration, Cave Art explores these creative achievements, from our remotest ancestors to recent times, and what they tell us about the human past and ourselves today.

Once upon a time pottery schools saw an increase in enrolments whenever the film Ghost aired on television. Today it is all year round. Not since the 1970s has there been this level of interest and appreciation for pottery and ceramics. The return to the handmade has been driven by our increasingly digital lives and there are now more makers, sellers and collectors than ever. There is also a new desire for unique objects made by hand and the imperfections associated with the marks of the maker. Pottery is the vehicle that most aptly captures this authenticity. From decorative pieces to the primarily functional to sculptural works pushing the boundaries of the medium, Clay surveys the richly creative output of over 50 studio potters from around the world. It is a celebration of a new generation of artisans working in clay, a snapshot not necessarily of what is happening at elite gallery level, but rather a behind-the-scenes look at the unique and eclectic offerings from small studios around the world.

This sixth edition of Graphic Design School has been refreshed and updated throughout, and features two new articles, one on User Experience Design (UX) and User Interface Design (UI), and one on Motion Graphics. The book is organized into two main sections, 'principles' and 'practice'. The first section deals with the fundamentals of design, such as composition, hierarchy, layout, typography, grid structure, colour and so on. The second section puts these basics into practice, and gives information about studio techniques and production issues relevant to a number of different graphic design disciplines. The last part of the second section provides an overview of some of the different career choices open to students entering the graphic design field.

Today's designers are often presented with a seemingly infinite number of creative choices, with the ability to push their materials to the limits of what they can do. Understanding these materials properly helps designers make inspired decisions in a practical and confident manner. The Materials Sourcebook for Design Professionals is the one-stop resource for all design professionals, providing comprehensive, accurate information about the basic materials with which they work on a daily basis, as well as a complete breakdown on new and exciting developments in high-tech materials. Written by Rob Thompson, this book comprises six main parts on all the major 'design' material groups. These parts are then separated further into chapters that examine the properties of individual types of materials, e.g. 'Iron', 'Steel' and 'Aluminium'. In total, there are nearly 100 material types featured, each one supported by examples of how it can be used in a variety of industries, an outline of its most desirable properties and details on its form and texture.With 450 vibrant illustrations and a clear layout, the design professional or student is presented with a long-term reference tool that tells them everything they need to know about the materials they use habitually, with information delivered in a wholly unbiased and accessible manner.

Who were the Norse gods - the mighty Aesyr, led by Odinn, and the mysterious Vanir? In The Norse Myths we meet this passionate and squabbling pantheon, and learn of the mythological cosmos they inhabit. Passages translated from the Old Norse bring this legendary world to life, from the myths of creation to ragnarok, the prophesied end of the world at the hands of Loki's army of monsters and giants, and everything that comes in between: the problematic relationship between the gods and the giants, in which enmity and trickery are punctuated by marriages and seductions; the (mis) adventures of human heroes and heroines, with their family feuds, revenges, marriages and murders; and the interaction between the gods and mortals, as Odinn, the Allfather, betrays his human proteges in order to recruit (dead) heroes for his army. Carolyne Larrington describes the myths' origins in pre-Christian Scandinavia and Iceland, and their survival in artefacts and written sources, from Old Norse sagas and poems to the less approving accounts of medieval Christian writers. She traces their influences into the work of Wagner, William Morris and J.R.R.Tolkien, and even the recent Game of Thrones in the resurrection of the Fimbulvetr, or 'Mighty Winter'.

William Morris's patterns are enduringly popular for their originality and color, and have captured the imagination of countless designers and artists. This coloring book explores the intricate work of William Morris, and allows the reader to invent their own colorways to complete Morris's patterns. 45 patterns to color, interspersed by full-color reproductions of the original designsOrganized into four sections--Nature, Color, Pattern, and Craft--to highlight different aspects of the designs, and the crafts and skills behind themExplores Morris's love of nature, his artistry, mastery of color, and innovation in pattern design in concise introductory texts

Do you prefer cats or dogs? Chocolate or vanilla ice-cream? The hen or the egg? Mummy...or Daddy? These pages are packed with interactive tabs that put children in the driving seat. A pop-up book with flaps to lift, tabs to pull and plenty of surprises.

Can you keep a straight face? Straight eyebrows? Straight lips? A straight...nose? These pages are packed with interactive tabs that allow children to pull funny faces with impunity. A pop-up book with flaps to lift, tabs to pull and plenty of surprises!

Hey little owl, what are you doing? I'm waking up! What's up, Mr Pelican? I'm having my dinner! These pages are packed with interactive tabs that put children in the driving seat. A pop-up book with flaps to lift, tabs to pull and plenty of surprises!

For centuries, plants have transformed interiors. Today house plants are once again experiencing a revival. Author Bree Claffey of Mr Kitly journeys into the worlds of fellow plant lovers to explore the enduring attraction of house plants. From the ever-reliable Peace lily and beguiling Fiddle leaf fig to the elusive Chinese money plant, house plants are showcased in all their weird and wonderful forms. More than good-looking props, plants are living growing things rooted in community and creativity and as this book celebrates, house plants are a way of life.

Japanese houses today have to contend with unique factors that condition their design, from tiny plots in crowded urban contexts to ever-present seismic threats. These challenges encourage their architects to explore alternating ideas of stability and ephemerality in various ways, resulting in spaces that are as fascinating as they are idiosyncratic. Their formal innovation and attention to materials, technology and measures to coax in light and air while maintaining domestic privacy make them cutting-edge residences that suggest new ways of being at home. Contemporary Japanese architecture has emerged as a substantial force on the international scene ever since Kenzo Tange won the Pritzker Prize in 1987. This overview of 50 recent houses powerfully demonstrates Japan's enduring commitment to design innovation.

Maureen Furniss surveys the cultural, political and economic context of how this dynamic industry evolved, emphasizing both artistic and technical achievements from around the world – from Hollywood to Tokyo, from Moscow to Sydney. Featuring a timeline for each of its six parts, Animation: The Global History provides readers with a clear and accessible chronology of events. A ‘Global Storyline’, highlighting the major themes of the era, opens each chapter, and an end-of-book glossary defines key terms used throughout the book.

As John Loengard writes in the preface to this monograph: 'The truth is: a good photograph cannot be repeated. This may be why a photograph of a brief moment, an instant in time, can hold our interest forever.' And this volume, Moment by Moment , is an intriguing selection of a many moments in his over half-century long career. His subjects include movie stars, writers, politicians, artists and other photographers, as well as normal people engaged in a host of extraordinary activities - or, rather, typical activities rendered unforgettable, of enduring interest, by the photographer's vision. From a shimmering Marilyn Monroe to a brooding T. S. Eliot, from a now almost sinister silhouette of Bill Cosby to an iconic shot of the Beatles, from an Etonian to a boy in the streets of Manchester, as well as ranchers, sweepers, picknickers, and other photographers, Loengard's vision moves and delights us with his humanity and artistry. Loengard enlarges our understanding and deepens our appreciation of his photographs with insightful commentaries on each of the pictures reproduced in the book.

Great paintings cannot be fully understood in a single encounter; there is always more to be derived from them. Art lovers may revisit and reconsider the masterpieces throughout their lives, but a deeper understanding can only be gained by analysing the painting in detail, be it the placement of the subject, the lighting, the style of brush strokes or the themes. Art in Detail examines 100 iconic paintings from the Western canon and spotlights the finer points a quick glance will almost certainly fail to reveal. These include subtle internal details, such as hidden symbols and artistic tricks employed by the painter to achieve particular effects. In addition, Susie Hodge writes intelligently about external influences on the artist - everything from the socio economic context in which he or she flourished, to smaller local difficulties, such as the level of air pollution at the time the painting was created. And she treats each of her subjects not only, to quote Matthew Arnold, 'as in itself it really is', but also as part of a tradition that links the oldest painting to the most recent, as artists pass a metaphorical baton down through the ages.

Thames & Hudson has enjoyed exceptional commercial success and critical acclaim in its collaborative ventures with Magnum Photos, notably with Magnum Magnum and Magnum Contact Sheets, which have combined sales of over 200,000 copies to date across eleven languages. With their 70th anniversary approaching in 2017, Magnum Photos has entered into an exclusive agreement with Thames & Hudson for the creation of a range of paper-based gift products. Created with Magnum's full involvement and collaboration, and with each product aimed at either the active photographer or those who simply love great photography, these beautifully produced gifts will connect the Magnum brand with a greater global audience than ever before.