White Star

From obscure Neolithic pastoral village to "capital of the world," the history of ancient Rome is not merely one of the most incredible adventures of mankind, but constitutes the start of an uninterrupted "bridge" between the dawn of Italic civilization and the modern West. In its 1200 years of existence, the city founded on the values established by Romulus' patres, has expanded and diversified its influence incessantly and in all spheres, progressively absorbing people and customs, ideas, techniques and beliefs. This journey to the origins of the present is a pictorial representation of the development of the Roman world in the light of the historical, urbanistic, architectural and artistic aspects that characterized the main periods of this extraordinary civilization, from its formative years to the crisis of the 5th century BC, following the conquests of Rome: the Italian peninsula, the Mediterranean and the Hellenic East. A vast iconography, consisting of photographs, reconstructions and plans, accompanies the text, written by an acknowledged authority in the field of Italic archaeology, which helps to clarify the dynamics of the exceptional development of the Roman world.

This volume describes the pre-Columbian cultures that developed in central and northern Mexico, from the fertile areas of the Oaxaca Valley and the Valley of Mexico to the great deserts of the north. In chronological order, the text presents the native cultures, from the earliest farming villages to the establishment of great states and urban civilizations such as Teotihuacan and Monte Alban. The enormous ethnic and linguistic melting pot culminated in the Aztec civilizations; this profusely illustrated book examines its historical events, moving from the mythical original migration into the Valley of Mexico to the political and cultural zenith. In-depth looks at specific topics such as the Aztec calendar, religion, society and political organization are inserted into the historical narration, adding variety to the book's chronological approach. Based on the latest research and targeting a broad readership, this book is straightforward and easy to understand, yet is distinguished by its excellent scholarship. The result is an extraordinary historical and cultural tableau that conveys the full appeal these populations have long held for Western readers.

A millennial land where history, faith, and tradition are so deeply rooted as to fuse into a single cultural horizon. A country, a crossroads of people and armies, contested since its beginnings and inflamed by political and religious conflicts. Sacred places, places of faith, marvelous archaeological sites, resorts outfitted to satisfy the needs of mass tourism, arid deserts, verdant agricultural regions. And a city, Jerusalem, sacred to the three principal monotheistic religions. This and many other aspects make the Holy Land a place unique in the world. The splendid images published in this book will introduce readers to it and help them appreciate it.

New York is like an infinite onion that you discover layer after layer, never tiring of peeling. You get to know it step by step, enchanted by its colours, its light, the sunsets and sunrises, by the ever-changing colour of the sky, as mutable as the wind. In the shadow of its breathtakingly tall skyscrapers, its buildings, its townhouses, as you hurry from one of the varied shop windows to the next. In its elegance and glamour, the formality of its museums, great temples of culture, in the magic of evocative moments and glimpses of street life. Indeed, New York does not actually exist, because there is not only one New York City, but ten, one thousand, one hundred thousand cities within the city, all jostling and intersecting each other, all connected to each other, in a melting pot of people, traditions and cultures that take you on a journey to every part of the world. This latest addition to the successful "CubeBook Collection" is dedicated to the discovery of this multifaceted city that is in a state of continuous transformation.

Take an armchair journey through the "Bel Paese" (Beautiful Country) with the delightfully original "Wonders of Italy." From the country's wide urban and architectural landscapes to her splendid rural vistas, from its most evocative coastal spots to its rich cultural heritage, Italy's many faces are captured in breathtaking images. It's a trip through volcanoes, majestic Alpine mountains, blue waters of the Mediterranean, and the Milanese fashion world that will delight lovers of nature, photography, and architecture.

What is a sport? Is it a physical and mental activity, practiced to improve one's health and to enjoy oneself? Or is it a show by specialised professionals in this entertainment field? This illustrated original volume answers these and other questions. Looking through spectacular pictures at all aspects of modern sports activity, it outlines the portraits of the greatest champions in the various disciplines, covers the most practiced and the extreme sports and illustrates the world that turns around the competitive world of sport. It also describes the main sporting events, above all the Olympic Games, where the original spirit of competition and competitive spirit expresses itself at the highest level.

The sky is a never-ending source of inspiration for artists, poets, and anyone who has found peace in contemplating clouds or a colourful sunset. Whether viewed from below or from above - with the help of satellite images - the pictures in this new addition to White Star's popular "Cubebooks" series convey the many faces of the sky. Colourful images capture the violent force of tempestuous storms as well as the glorious sunrises, sunsets, and northern lights that are reflections of nature's gentler side. Readers view the sky in horizons that frame both the most beautiful natural parks and landscapes in the world and the skylines of the world's most sophisticated cities. Spectacular views of flocks of migratory birds pose a fascinating contrast to images of people "flying" in extreme sports such as paragliding, sky-diving or through the impressive manoeuvres of acrobatic air squads. Throughout the book, insightful captions provide fascinating facts about meteorological phenomena and other heavenly titbits. With its stunning full-page spreads, the Cubebook format is ideal for showcasing sweeping cloud formations, dramatic weather patterns, and vast expanses of deep, pure blue sky. Accessible and delightfully tactile. "The Sky Cubebook" will appeal to readers of all ages.

The Atlantic, the Red Sea, the Caribbean, the South Pacific-here are all the oceans in all colors and aspects: clear, tropical waters; turbulent open seas; immense plains of water seen from space; magical icy polar oceans; and delicate and frothy photographs from inside powerful waves. The Sea's camera eye emerges from underwater-from the multicolored coral reefs and underwater wrecks and washes on to sandy beaches, coral reefs, cliffs, and volcanic islands to observe the life of coastal villages, ports, and on ships at sea. Another chapter deals with sea creatures: predators and prey, the brightly hued, the powerful, and the delicate life of our oceans.

Sailing enthusiasts will delight in this treasure trove of images and facts about the world's most spectacular sailboats.The three-dimensional format of "White Star's CubeBooks" is ideal for showcasing sailboats from a variety of perspectives. From luxury yachts to trim sailboats, this handsome, hefty little compendium spotlights a vast range of the world's most beautiful sailboats.Enthusiasts will appreciate the fine photography that showcases through a variety of perspectives the details on a vast range of boats. Close to 500 photographs portray the excitement of the world's legendary regattas, as well as sailboats in some of the world's most stunning seascapes.Accompanied by informative captions, the images in this volume will be of great appeal to sailing enthusiasts.

Born as a means of transportation at the end of the 1800s, the automobile has evolved in its resistance and dependability, become truly reliable, has continuously extended its capabilities, and earned solo appearances on stage. Automobiles have become star attractions, able to draw large audiences. In doing so, they have attracted the interest of the population in general, thus multiplying sales. Over the course of their evolution, they have become ever more beautiful, all-inclusive, luxurious, safe, and environmentally acceptable. These 736 pages portray the many types and styles of automobiles, illustrated through images more than words. Like the many frames of a film that tell an unfinished story, the pages are destined to be an exemplary documentation of the capacity of man to evolve and invent. Focused chapters offer readers a variety of points of view about these ever-fascinating vehicles, from the most original prototypes (“concept” cars) to racecars, both on roads and racetracks, from models that incarnate luxury to those that rely on beauty and become objects on display, from the unforgettable pre-World War II models that conquered the market and achieved huge sales to the models that inexorably tied their destiny to a logo, an emblem, or to symbol.

This Cubebook is dedicated to the beautiful forms and patterns the earth presents to the eye from above: here are views of landforms on every continent in photographs that arouse awe for our planet. The original artist is actually the large-scale forces of nature that have created our most spectacular landscapes, but many images include human patterns sometimes interwoven into the land as farms and towns. Photographs have been selected for their visual impact, and enhanced by a design that immerses readers in the natural beauty of our planet from a new perspective, in views that make them even more wondrous and spectacular. This around-the-world view includes commentary from Alberto Bertolazzi that shines with passion and humor.

A treasure of images and information for all horse-lovers, this beautifully crafted book is a fitting tribute to humankind's unique companion, the horse. Over thousands of years, the horse has won humanity's gratitude and admiration. Horses celebrates these noble creatures, presenting them in their many environments and, above all, at the most interesting moments in their working and natural lives. Engaging narratives written by recognized authorities on various aspects of equine life are combined with hundreds of photographs to create a complete portrait of horses in all their beauty. Thoroughbreds and draft horses, horse shows and racing, life on the ranch and in the field, the birth and rearing of foals, famous riding schools, and equestrian traditions are among the themes of this unique book. Written in a direct, lively style, the text is especially appropriate for young readers eager to learn more about these captivating creatures. Offering an abundance of engaging illustrations in a handsome format, this book is the perfect gift for horse-lovers of all ages.

As safeguards of the world's artistic treasures, museums play an invaluable role in our culture. However, museums themselves are often stunning works of art, superb examples of a vast range of architectural styles.From the controversial glass pyramid of the Louvre in Paris to the elegance of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, this handsome volume examines the architecture of the world's most celebrated museums. Giulia Camin presents a history of each museum supplemented with architectural plans, detailed drawings and photographs of the interiors and facades, and information on the architects and engineers who played a key role in the design and building of these important structures.The book spotlights museums around the world including the Uffizi in Florence, the Prado in Madrid, the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, and the sprawling Smithsonian complex in Washington, DC. Readers are taken on a tour of such modern masterpieces as the Jewish Museum in Berlin, designed by Daniel Libeskind and Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Bilbao, considered by many to be the signature building of the 20th century. Specially commissioned photographs demonstrate the innovative interior design of the Yad Vashen Museum in Jerusalem wherein gallery spaces-most of them underground-of varying heights and different degrees of light serve as the ideal setting in which to unfold the narrative of the Jewish Holocaust experience. In sharp contrast, the Oceanographic Museum of Monte Carlo soars almost 300 feet above the sea, topped by a restaurant that offers panoramic views of Monaco and the Italian Riviera.

The White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, the March Hare, the Cheshire Cat, the Caterpillar that smokes a hookah, the Queen of Hearts... who is not familiar with the fantastic characters in the novel Alice in Wonderland, a timeless masterpiece of children's literature? The impressive illustrations in this book, the work of Manuela Adreani, a sensitive and original artist who lends life to these characters, are also ideal as decoration to enhance and personalize children's bedrooms. In fact, the large-format drawings can easily be taken out of the book and placed on the walls, like splendid, colourful posters that will make little children's rooms a true `wonderland.'

Hair as black as ebony, lips as red as blood and skin as white as snow: this is the unforgettable description of Snow White, the captivating protagonist of one of the best loved and well-known fairy tales of all time. The adventures of the beautiful maiden, taken in by the seven dwarfs after escaping from the wicked queen, have fascinated children all over the world and inspired plays, ballets, musicals and movie adaptations, including Disney's 1937 animated version.

A beautiful journal for travelers with an adventurous spirit. Take a trip through bella Italia with this stunning journal filled with evocative illustrations of the art and architecture for which the country is so renowned. The drawings showcase Michelangelo's magnificent statue of David, the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Juliet's balcony in Verona, gondoliers in Venice, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and more. Whether you're preparing for a tour, have sweet memories of a recent journey, or are simply an armchair traveler with dreams of hopping on a plane, this book makes a great companion.