John Farndon – författare

The ancient birthplace of some of the world's major religions and now a modern nuclear power, India is experiencing spectacular economic growth. In twenty-five years its population will overtake that of China, making it one of the most populous and rapidly-developing countries in the world. We all need to know more about this intriguing country.John Farndon explores the changing face of modern-day India and its fundamental contradictions. The country is leading the world in cutting edge technology and research, but it is also home to 40 per cent of the world's malnourished children. It is a liberal democracy, yet its political processes are influenced by some of the most conservative religious ideas in the world. The booming economy is at times both global and archaic. Getting to the heart of these inconsistencies, Farndon gives a fascinating insight into the country as it is now and as it will be in the future, and reveals how the changes in India will affect us all.

With a population of 1¼ billion people and the world's second largest economy, China is fast becoming one of the most powerful and important countries in the world. But while it is one of the world's oldest civilisations, China refuses to conform to expectations. The country's controversial policies, ranging from the one child policy to the repression of opposition groups, have placed it at odds with other world powers, and yet its influence in the world is growing ever stronger. We all need to know more about this fascinating country. John Farndon explores the changing face of modern China and its fundamental contradictions, as a communist state where business is booming, as a nation that continues to support North Korea even as it develops its relationships with the West. Getting to the heart of these and other inconsistencies, Farndon gives a fascinating introduction to the country as it is now and as it will be in the future, revealing how China's changing face will affect us all.

This is an accessible and exciting illustrated reference book that the whole family will enjoy using.

A fascinating guide to the hidden world of snakes, crocodiles, alligators, lizards, turtles, spiders, beetles, bugs, butterflies, moths, bees and ants. More than 1500 fabulous wildlife photographs and illustrations provide a stunning close-up view of survival in the wild. Exciting and accessible information provides an insight into every aspect of reptile and insect life and behaviour

This is the ultimate photographic guide to the world of rocks and minerals, as well as how to build your own collection. An extensive introduction section describes the impact of factors such as time, weather and water erosion on the development of these substances, and the part played by natural phenomena such as volcanoes and earthquakes. Specimens are grouped according to their chemical composition and characteristics, and all entries include quick-reference identification checklists to aid recognition. A scientific introduction looks at the origins of these materials and their impact on the landscape, with examples of striking natural formations and explanatory diagrams. The amateur geologist is shown how to identify specimens by their appearance, texture, hardness, and density, as well as how to extract samples safely, how to clean and store rocks and minerals, and build and present their own collection. Featuring over 800 images, this book is a classic illustrated encyclopedia and field guide on an endlessly fascinating and richly consuming subject.

Travel back to the land where human history was first recorded—the land of kings, queens, gods, goddesses, nomads, and scribes. Be an eyewitness to the "land between the rivers," from the first Sumerian city-states to the mighty Babylonian empires. DK Eyewitness Mesopotamia provides a detailed look at where the first cities, states, and empires rose. Richly detailed full-color images and photographs of ancient artifacts, architecture, and maps combine with a comprehensive overview of the Sumerian, Assyrian, and Babylonian civilizations. See incredible works of Mesopotamian art, meet the warriors and innovators living ahead of their time, learn how to read ancient inscriptions, and much, much more!The most trusted nonfiction series on the market, Eyewitness Books provide an in-depth, comprehensive look at their subjects with a unique integration of words and pictures.

Seventy per cent of our planet''s surface is covered with water, but most conventional atlases focus on the other thirty per cent. This fascinating and beautifully presented survey of the world''s oceans and what lives within them is published in association with the Census on Marine Life, a decade-long scientific initiative between researchers from over 80 countries to assessing and explaining the rich diversity and abundance of undersea life.Every aspect of the oceans is explored, from the seabed, continental shelves, currents, water circulation and waves, to all the wildlife that calls these places home. Each ocean (the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Southern, Arctic, the Seas of Europe, the Eurasian Inland Seas and the South China Sea) is examined in great detail, revealing its characteristics, underwater topography, principal species and particular features, including the effects of habitat erosion.Topics covered include:- Coastlines, beaches, estuaries, salt marshes - the clash of man and wildlife- Temperate waters - plankton, seaweed forests and the Newfoundland Great Banks- Tropical waters - coral reefs, mangrove swamps and seagrass meadows- Polar waters - floating ice, migrations, life beneath the ice- The open ocean - currents, CO2 storage capacity, global warming and acidification - The ocean deeps - the mysterious twilight world and the least explored of all environments

Jump behind the wheel of the sleekest, swiftest automobiles, both on and off the race track. Prepare to burn up the tarmac in the Bugatti Veyron—the latest version of the first supercar reaches 269 mph (433 km/h)! Race in the Ultimate Aero, whose carbon-fiber body weighs less than its driver. Get an adrenaline rush in the jet-powered Thrust SSC, it carries the world land speed record of 760.343 mph (1,223.65 km/h)! These streamlined supercars blast off the page in true-to-life illustrations alongside facts about top design technology, such as wind-tunnel testing and scissor doors.

Motorcycles are made for speed—but some get there louder and faster than others! You''ll need your toughest gear to ride the turbo-charged MTT Turbine Superbike Y2K—perhaps the most powerful (and expensive) road bike ever. Blow past speeds of 200 mph (320 km/h) with the Kawasaki Ninja of the Night. Ride the world''s fastest production motorcycle, the Suzuki Hayabusa, and hit 188 to 194 mph (303 to 312 km/h). Hang on tight as detailed illustrations take you on the road, around the track, and across salt flats on these powerful bikes. Get the latest facts on how they reach those extreme speeds—and stay on the road.

Are you ready to take off with the world''s fastest supersonic aircraft? Strap yourself in for a trip in the MiG-25 Foxbat interceptor and clock up to 2,100 mph (3,380 kmh/h)! Soar in the NAA X-15 rocket plane, which set a record of 4,520 mph (7,274 km/h) in 1967! Hop into the world''s fastest jet, the NASA Hyper X-43 scramjet, but hang on—it has the potential to go 7,000 mph (11,265 km/h)! Detailed illustrations put you in the cockpits of these mighty, streaking aircraft, while bite-sized facts explain how they work, their pilots'' daring risks, and the thrill of supersonic flight.

Climb into the cabs of the world''s fastest trucks. They may be big, but these machines can really move! Roar off in the three jet engines of the Shockwave—powered to 376 mph (605 km/h)! Ride in the Banks Sidewinder Dodge Dakota, which set a world record at 217 mph (349 km/h)! Go off-roading in the fastest off-road terrain conqueror, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. Colorful illustrations capture these swift, powerful beasts on the road and off, while interesting text features highlight jet propulsion, turbocharging, and great truck racers past and present.

Join the savvy Stickmen on a fun tour of modern cars and locomotives. See the inner and outer workings of these vehicles. The Stickmen share facts (and jokes), explain functions, and occasionally get doused in oil!

How do planes stay in the air? What is vertical takeoff? How does a pilot control altitude in a hot-air balloon? Join the Stickmen to find out how mechanisms work. Get an insider''s view of these airborne wonders!

How does a giant cruise ship stay upright? Just how big is an aircraft carrier? How are submarines powered? Join the Stickmen for a close look at how watercrafts work, though be careful—you may get into deep water!

Join the Stickmen on a fascinating tour of monster vehicles, transporters, and construction tools. You''ll discover some of the largest machines in existence and see the Stickmen (accidentally) test the limits of gravity!

Science is an ever-growing, ever-changing field of study. Every principle, every discovery is built on top of a previous discovery. Great scientists have studied life, the environment, and the physical world trying to learn more about why things are the way they are. Readers gain insight to some of the greatest scientific minds history has to offer, from Archimedes to Stephen Hawking.

Jump behind the wheel of the sleekest, swiftest automobiles, both on and off the race track. Prepare to burn up the tarmac in the Bugatti Veyron—the latest version of the first supercar reaches 269 mph (433 km/h)! Race in the Ultimate Aero, whose carbon-fiber body weighs less than its driver. Get an adrenaline rush in the jet-powered Thrust SSC, it carries the world land speed record of 760.343 mph (1,223.65 km/h)! These streamlined supercars blast off the page in true-to-life illustrations alongside facts about top design technology, such as wind-tunnel testing and scissor doors.

Motorcycles are made for speed—but some get there louder and faster than others! You''ll need your toughest gear to ride the turbo-charged MTT Turbine Superbike Y2K—perhaps the most powerful (and expensive) road bike ever. Blow past speeds of 200 mph (320 km/h) with the Kawasaki Ninja of the Night. Ride the world''s fastest production motorcycle, the Suzuki Hayabusa, and hit 188 to 194 mph (303 to 312 km/h). Hang on tight as detailed illustrations take you on the road, around the track, and across salt flats on these powerful bikes. Get the latest facts on how they reach those extreme speeds—and stay on the road.

Are you ready to take off with the world''s fastest supersonic aircraft? Strap yourself in for a trip in the MiG-25 Foxbat interceptor and clock up to 2,100 mph (3,380 kmh/h)! Soar in the NAA X-15 rocket plane, which set a record of 4,520 mph (7,274 km/h) in 1967! Hop into the world''s fastest jet, the NASA Hyper X-43 scramjet, but hang on—it has the potential to go 7,000 mph (11,265 km/h)! Detailed illustrations put you in the cockpits of these mighty, streaking aircraft, while bite-sized facts explain how they work, their pilots'' daring risks, and the thrill of supersonic flight.

Climb into the cabs of the world''s fastest trucks. They may be big, but these machines can really move! Roar off in the three jet engines of the Shockwave—powered to 376 mph (605 km/h)! Ride in the Banks Sidewinder Dodge Dakota, which set a world record at 217 mph (349 km/h)! Go off-roading in the fastest off-road terrain conqueror, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. Colorful illustrations capture these swift, powerful beasts on the road and off, while interesting text features highlight jet propulsion, turbocharging, and great truck racers past and present.

How do planes stay in the air? What is vertical takeoff? How does a pilot control altitude in a hot-air balloon? Join the Stickmen to find out how mechanisms work. Get an insider''s view of these airborne wonders!

Join the Stickmen on a fascinating tour of monster vehicles, transporters, and construction tools. You''ll discover some of the largest machines in existence and see the Stickmen (accidentally) test the limits of gravity!

Join the savvy Stickmen on a fun tour of modern cars and locomotives. See the inner and outer workings of these vehicles. The Stickmen share facts (and jokes), explain functions, and occasionally get doused in oil!

How does a giant cruise ship stay upright? Just how big is an aircraft carrier? How are submarines powered? Join the Stickmen for a close look at how watercrafts work, though be careful—you may get into deep water!

It''s the year 1492, the height of the Aztec Empire, and Ten Vulture is learning to become a priest—and a deadly warrior. On his adventures, he has to learn a secret language and rituals and make human sacrifices to the gods. Visit the largest city in the Americas and take part in the ultimate bloodletting ceremony alongside Ten Vulture. You''ll need a courageous heart and a strong stomach!

Travel down the Nile and into the heart of an ancient tomb with young Neferu, who is training to mummify a great pharaoh. Look over his shoulder to witness the dog-headed Anubis weighing the heart of a corpse, or the brains being removed and the body wrapped. Unlock the secrets and rituals as you see how to prepare for the afterlife in Ancient Egypt more than three thousand years ago. But make sure to keep safe by using spells from the Book of the Dead!