Featuring an extra-sturdy library binding!
Here is an intriguing and captivating introduction to the culturally diverse world of mythology. Stunning photographs of masks, jewelry and sculptures offer a unique "eyewitness" view of mythology and its gods, heroes and monsters. See the world in a sealskin, Quetzalcoatl's spectacular headdress, Native American love dolls, a fire-breathing dragon, African trickster Eshu, the one-eyed Cyclops and golden Garuda, an animal idol. Learn about the supernatural powers of the gods, the mystical powers of shamans, the purpose of the Native American Sun Dance, the story behind the stunning medicine beaver mask and why Romulus and Remus were reared by a wolf. Discover who swallowed the Sun god Ra, the secrets of the towering totem pole, the sacred art of sandpainting, how many animals make a Chimera, who had snakes for hair and the magical powers of Thor's hammer, and much, much more!

Tracing the evolution of fashion — from the early draped fabrics of ancient times to the catwalk couture of today — Fashion: The Definitive History of Costume and Style is a stunningly illustrated guide to more than three thousand years of shifting trends and innovative developments in the world of clothing. Containing everything you need to know about changing fashion and style — from ancient Egyptian dress to Space Age Fashion and Grunge — and information on icons like Marie Antoinette, Clara Bow, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Alexander McQueen, Fashion catalogs the history of what people wear, revealing how Western fashion has been influenced by design from around the world and celebrating costume and haute couture. Fashion will captivate anyone interested in style — whether it's the fashion-mad teen in Tokyo, the wannabe designer in college, or the fashionista intrigued by the violent origins of the stiletto and the birth of bling.

The History Book is a fascinating journey through the most significant events in history and the big ideas behind each one, from the dawn of civilization to the lightning-paced culture of today. One hundred crystal-clear articles explore the Law Code of Hammurabi, the Renaissance, the American Revolution, World War II, and much, much more, bringing the events and people of history to life.

As part of DK's award-winning Big Ideas Simply Explained series, The History Book uses infographics and images to explain key ideas and themes. Biographies of key leaders, thinkers, and warriors, from Julius Caesar to Barack Obama, offer insight into their lives and further historical insight into these world-changing episodes.

The History Book makes the past 4,000 years of history accessible and provides enlightenment on the forces that shaped the world as we know it today, for students and history buffs alike.

Series Overview: Big Ideas Simply Explained series uses creative design and innovative graphics, along with straightforward and engaging writing, to make complex subjects easier to understand. These award-winning books provide just the information needed for students, families, or anyone interested in concise, thought-provoking refreshers on a single subject.

Reviews:

"[The Big Ideas Simply Explained books] are beautifully illustrated with shadow-like cartoons that break down even the most difficult concepts so they are easier to grasp. These step-by-step diagrams are an incredibly clever learning device to include, especially for visual learners." - Examiner.com

"The visual layout promotes browsing with illustrations, pull quotes, and simple mind maps to explain concepts quickly." - Library Journal

"Accessible guide to the great thinkers." - School Library Journal

"Clever and engaging." - Booklist

Featuring a wealth of never-before-published NASA photographs, charts, stories, and contributions by NASA astronauts and experts, Space: A Visual Encyclopedia is a comprehensive exploration of space from our nearest planets and stars to far-off galaxies.

Destined to be the ultimate authority on animal communities, Animal Life explores and explains every aspect of animal behavior, including courtship and mating rituals, family relationships and defense mechanisms, hunting techniques and feeding habits. Now in paperback!

A landmark in reference publishing and overseen and authenticated by the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History, Natural History presents an unrivaled visual survey of Earth's natural history. Giving a clear overview of the classification of our natural world-over 6,000 species- Natural History looks at every kingdom of life, from bacteria, minerals, and rocks to fossils to plants and animals. Featuring a remarkable array of specially commissioned photographs, Natural History looks at thousands of specimens and species displayed in visual galleries that take the reader on an incredible journey from the most fundamental building blocks of the world's landscapes, through the simplest of life forms, to plants, fungi, and animals.