DK Handbooks – serie

Unearth a treasure trove of knowledge and discover the spectacular array of rocks and minerals on Earth! Learn how to identify more than 500 rocks and minerals of the world through stunning photographs, detailed characteristics and quick, accessible text.Inside the pages of this comprehensive guide, you'll discover:- A clear visual key distinguishing different rocks and minerals to make identification easy and accurate- Each entry includes at-a-glance technical details, for quick reference- Stunning photographs show close-ups of key details and unique attributes- Highlights the key features of minerals: chemical group and composition, hardness, specific gravity, crystal cleavage, and fracture- Highlights the key features of rocks: group, origin, pressure and temperature, grain size and shape, classification, and fossilsFrom igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks to sparkling minerals, DK Handbooks: Rocks & Minerals leaves no stone unturned. Over 600 high-quality photographs highlight over 500 rock or mineral's distinguishing features. Explore concise details about each rock or mineral's texture, origin, formation, and chemical composition to help you with accurate identification.Updated EditionDiscover a mine of information at your disposal! Designed for beginners and experienced collectors alike, this mineralogy book explains what rocks and minerals are, how they are classified, and what equipment is needed for specimen collection. It's the ultimate gift for rock collectors - both beginners and enthusiasts, or anyone studying geology and earth sciences. An updated edition for 2021 to include the latest scientific knowledge and specimen classification.Complete the SeriesBefore you go, there are many more DK Handbooks to explore! Discover the cleanest-cut photographic field guide to over 130 gemstones from around the world in DK Handbooks: Gemstones. Learn all about dinosaurs and prehistoric animals and the world they inhabited millions of years ago in DK Handbooks: Dinosaurs.

Unearth a treasure trove of knowledge of over 130 gemstones from around the world.Learn how gemstones are formed and how to recognise them by their unique qualities and colours. A wonderful book for beginners, students, and gemstone-enthusiasts that includes the latest scientific research and gemstone classification.Gemstones is filled with all you need to know about these fascinating minerals - cut and uncut stones, organic gemstones, and precious metals. Inside you'll find: - Fast facts for quick reference, including chemical composition, hardness, gravity, lustre, and reflective value- Photo close-ups of key details and highlights of distinguishing features- Illustrations of faceting and shapes popular for each gemstone- A detailed introduction to everything a beginner gemologist needs to know including how gemstones form, the different properties, crystal shapes, faceting, and the history of gemsDelve into the one-of-a-kind characteristics, colours, and attributes of more than 130 gemstones with this compact visual guide. For easy classification, each stone's entry includes annotated photographs to highlight distinguishing features and concise details about the attributes of gems.Designed for beginners and experienced collectors alike, this gemology book explores what gemstones are, how they are classified, and how to identify them by their physical and optical properties. It also shows you how they were fashioned and imitated throughout history. Learn the differences between varieties of cut and uncut stones, organic gemstones, and precious metals. It includes a glossary for many more technical and scientific terms and over 800 high-quality photos of gems. It's the ideal gift for any budding gemologistThe DK Handbook series is an incredible collection of titles that fascinate curious minds. Other books include Rocks and Minerals, Dinosaurs, and Prehistoric Life, and Stars and Planets.

A comprehensive pocket guide to dinosaurs and prehistoric animals and the world they inhabited millions of years ago. Packed with more than 700 full-colour illustrations, this definitive pocket guide paints a vivid portrait of extraordinary dinosaurs and prehistoric animals, and the ecosystems they lived in millions of years ago. Journey back in time and discover the incredible lives and habitats of dinosaurs, pterosaurs, marine reptiles, and prehistoric beasts. This fascinating guide explores every era of prehistoric life, from the Precambrian and Palaeozoic eras, when animals first began evolving to the Jurassic and Mesozoic era, which first saw the flourishing and then the eventual extinction of the dinosaurs.Learn more about prehistoric animals and the world they inhabited millions of years ago through detailed profiles of 200 dinosaurs and other ancestors of modern animals. These profiles are jargon-free and based on the latest science. This dinosaur encyclopedia is filled with crystal-clear artwork and photographs, fossils, and replica models showing the unique features of the different species.A Visual Guide to 200 Dinosaurs and Prehistoric AnimalsPart of the relaunched series of the popular DK Handbooks, this fact-filled book features a refreshed design and updated content. Packed with jaw-dropping images, fascinating dinosaur facts and straight-forward explanations, it's the perfect gift for budding palaeontologists of all ages or geology students.Inside the pages of this dinosaur encyclopedia from DK Books, you'll discover: - Maps indicating the location of where each animal's fossils have been found- Illustrations detailing the size of each animal in comparison to humans - Detailed, jargon-free profiles of 200 species with fun facts for quick reference

The clearest and sharpest recognition guide to over 500 invertebrate, vertebrate, and plant fossils from around the world. This comprehensive pocket guide is the perfect introduction to finding, identifying, and collecting fossils. It features more than 500 species of plant and animal fossils, from trilobites and megafauna to dinosaurs and ancient trees. This handbook cuts through the complicated identification process with expertly written and thoroughly vetted text that features precise description, enabling you to recognize a species instantly. Over 1,000 photographs, with illuminating annotations, help you to pick out a fossil's chief characteristics and distinguishing features, while a colour illustration shows the fossil as a living plant or animal. The detailed introduction explains what a fossil is and how they are classified. Start building your own collection with advice on where to look for fossils, what tools and safety equipment are needed for collecting, and how best to organize a fossil collection. To help you in the initial stages of identification, this book provides a visual identification key that makes it easy to recognize a fossil and place it in its correct group. Finally, a concise glossary gives instant understanding of technical and scientific terms.

Discover over 500 species of sea shell from around the world with this pocket visual guide! This comprehensive handbook combines authoritative text and crystal-clear photography, bringing to light the planet's most spectacular shells. Packed with more than 600 full-color photographs, this handy reference book cuts through the complexities of identification, helping you to recognise more than 500 species of sea shell.Learn about the distinguishing characteristics of different shell species, where they came from, and how they came to look the way they do. For shell collecting beginners and conchology enthusiasts alike, this concise and portable guide will turn your next beach walk into an eye-opening journey of discovery! Handbook of Shells is filled with all you need to know about shell collecting and identification! Inside you'll find: -Jargon-free profiles of each shell, supported by stunning photographs -A shell identification key of every major group, making recognition easier than ever-Practical instructions explaining how to start, clean, identify and display a shell collection-Distribution maps illustrating the geographical range of each species At-a-glance key facts to impress your friends! Practical oceanology for all ages! Have you ever wondered how such delicate shells are churned out of the world's raging oceans? Now you can not only learn about our planet's most stunning sea shells, but also collect your own!Handbook of Shells is expertly written and authenticated by the Smithsonian Institution, providing the most up to date scientific information on shell classification. The perfect gift for a budding marine biologist, or anyone wanting to try their hand at beachcombing, this DK book is the clearest and sharpest sea shell guide out there! Even more handbooks to get you out into nature! The DK Handbook series is an incredible collection of titles that fascinate curious minds. Learn how rocks are formed and how to recognize them with the Handbook of Rocks and Minerals, or enter the fascinating world of astronomy with the Handbook of Stars and Planets.

The clearest and sharpest recognition e-guide to more than 500 rocks and minerals. Unearth a treasure trove of knowledge about the rocks and minerals beneath our feet - from their formation to collecting them. Make identification easy and accurate with this compact visual guide, packed with photographs and details on formation, distinguishing features, and much more. Over 600 high-quality photographs capture the unique characteristics, colours, and attributes of more than 500 rocks and minerals. Each specimen's entry includes annotated photographs to highlight the rock or mineral's distinguishing features, and concise details about its texture, origin, formation, and chemical composition to help identify it.Designed for beginners and experienced collectors alike, the introduction explains what rocks and minerals are, how they are classified, what equipment is needed for specimen collection, and how to start and organize a collection. Learn the differences between igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, and refer to the glossary for many more technical and scientific terms.

The clearest and sharpest recognition guide to over 500 invertebrate, vertebrate, and plant fossils from around the world. This comprehensive e-guide is the perfect introduction to finding, identifying, and collecting fossils. It features more than 500 species of plant and animal fossils, from trilobites and megafauna to dinosaurs and ancient trees. This ebook cuts through the complicated identification process with expertly written and thoroughly vetted text that features precise description, enabling you to recognize a species instantly. Over 1,000 photographs, with illuminating annotations, help you to pick out a fossil's chief characteristics and distinguishing features, while a colour illustration shows the fossil as a living plant or animal. The detailed introduction explains what a fossil is and how they are classified. Start building your own collection with advice on where to look for fossils, what tools and safety equipment are needed for collecting, and how best to organize a fossil collection. To help you in the initial stages of identification, this book provides a visual identification key that makes it easy to recognize a fossil and place it in its correct group. Finally, a concise glossary gives instant understanding of technical and scientific terms.

A comprehensive e-guide to dinosaurs and prehistoric animals and the world they inhabited millions of years ago. Includes more than 700 full-colour illustrations, this definitive e-guide paints a vivid portrait of extraordinary dinosaurs and prehistoric animals, and the ecosystems they lived in millions of years ago. This e-guide features authoritative text, crystal-clear artwork, and a straight-forward approach to revealing the fascinating lives and habitats of dinosaurs, pterosaurs, marine reptiles, and prehistoric beasts. The introductory section explains classification systems, geological timelines, the evolution of the dinosaurs, and how fossils form. For ease of reference, the main body of the book is divided into three sections: the Precambrian and Palaeozoic eras, when animals first began evolving; the Mesozoic era, which saw the flourishing and eventual extinction of the dinosaurs; and the Cenozoic era, when giant mammals walked the Earth. Each section is broken down into its geological time periods, and, within these, the species are organized according to whether they lived on land, in the water, or in the air.There are detailed profiles of 200 dinosaurs and other ancestors of modern animals. Each entry combines a precise, jargon-free description with full-colour artworks, skeletons, and replica models, annotated to showcase the unique features of the species. Maps show where each animal's fossils have been found, and many profiles are supported by photographs to show actual excavation sites.

An extensive and clear recognition guide to over 300 dog breeds from around the world. Introducing Handbook of Dogs - a comprehensive and concise pocket guide to dogs from all over the world. Authoritative text, crystal-clear photography, and a systematic approach, make this an incredibly comprehensive and concise pocket guide to dogs of the world. Have you ever seen an adorable dog in the park or in a car window and desperately wondered what breed it was? Then this book may be for you! This handy reference book is designed to cut through the process of identification and help you to recognise a breed quickly and easilyDive straight in to discover: -Packed with more than 1,000 full-colour photographs of over 300 dog breeds,-Each entry includes at-a-glance facts for quick reference-Photographs show close-ups of key details and highlight distinguishing features-Colour portraits show the whole dog, making it easy to compare breeds-Illustrations indicate the typical size of each animalExpertly written and thoroughly vetted, each entry combines a precise description with annotated photographs to highlight the characteristics and distinguishing features of each breed, while bands provide at-a-glance facts for quick reference. From choosing your dog to domestic dog groups, herding dogs to working dogs, this all-encompassing handbook of dogs truly does have something for every dog-lover, both new and experienced, to love!The introduction traces the evolution of the domestic dog, explains the difference between pedigrees and non-pedigrees, looks at how breeds are classified, and examines their characteristics in detail.Designed to delight and inform dog-lovers of all ages - from new owners to established enthusiasts, and envious admirers keen to tell terriers apart - the DK Handbook of Dogs offers a quick, easy way to hone your knowledge of hounds!At DK, we believe in the power of discovery.So why not explore the rest of the books in our Handbook complete collection? Discover the awe-inspiring world of astronomy with Handbook of Stars and Planets, brush up on facts about felines with Handbook of Cats, or dive deep into the past when dinosaurs roamed the earth with Handbook of Dinosaurs.

The clearest, most accessible guide to observing the night sky.Introducing the Handbook of Stars and Planets - the perfect beginner's guide to the night sky!With a highly visual introduction that explains the basic concepts of astronomy and gives advice on the best methods and equipment for observation, including binoculars and telescopes, exploring the cosmos and more has never been easier or more accessible. Each of the planets in the Solar System is described and illustrated in detail, with images taken from space probes as well as from the ground, showing them as you can expect to see them.More than 160 star charts were made especially for this book by the Royal Greenwich Observatory. There is a separate detailed chart for each of the 88 constellations, adding up to a complete atlas of the sky. The text for each constellation reveals its history and mythology and lists notable stars, galaxies, nebulae, and other objects. Alongside the constellation profiles is a month-by-month guide, including a set of charts and a user-friendly text guide that picks out the highlights above your head each month.Soar into the pages of this awe-inspiring astronomy book to explore:- Introduction section provides an accessible primer on the basics of astronomy and sky-watching- Equipment section includes a guide to the main kinds of binoculars, telescopes, and camera equipment- Practical advice also includes observing the sky with the naked eye- Profiles of planets and constellations include colour-coded data tables, delivering fast facts for quick reference-Accessible text explains concepts clearly and guides the reader from beginner to intermediate-level astronomerThis newly-updated guide to the Solar System includes new discoveries, revised data, and the latest images from space probes! The revisions to constellation and monthly sky guides include new data on stars and other objects such as galaxies, as well as a refreshed guide to binoculars, telescopes, and cameras. Complete with jargon-free text written by one of the foremost popularisers of astronomy and an authority on the history of constellations, the DK Handbook of Stars and Planets is the perfect introduction to stargazing! So whether you're a budding astronomer or an intermediate space-savvy, this great guide to the night sky is suitable for children aged 12+ and adults alike, and promises something for everyone to explore, discover and love!

The clearest and sharpest definition guide to over 500 species of trees from around the world. DK Handbook: Trees explains what a tree is, how trees are classified, and how to keep a record of the trees you have seen. Packed with over 1,000 full-colour photographs of more than 500 trees this book cuts through the complicated identification process to enable you to recognize a species instantly. To help in the initial stages of identification, the book provides a visual key that shows the differences between conifers, broadleaves, and palms, identifies each genus by leaf type, and guides you to the correct species entry. Every entry combines a precise description with annotated photographs to highlight the tree's chief characteristics and distinguishing features, and a full-colour illustration showing the spread, height, and leaf persistence of the species. A concise glossary defines technical and scientific terms. Compact enough to take out into the field or forest, DK Handbooks: Trees makes identifying nature's giants easier than ever before. Dive straight into this riveting reference guide to trees and explore: - An introduction providing an accessible primer on the basics of trees and identification.- Each entry includes at-a-glance facts for quick reference.- Photographs show close-ups of key details and highlight distinguishing features, making it easy to identify species.- A visual key of leaf type and genus makes identification simple when using the guide out and about Trees is a must-have guide nature lovers and naturalists, ramblers and hikers who want to identify and discover more about different trees.At DK, we believe in the power of discovery. So why stop there? Trees is part of DK's lovely little Handbook Series, where you can glide into the galaxies with Stars and Planets, showcase your knowledge with Shells and find out about Fossils.

The clearest and sharpest recognition guide to over 500 butterfly and moth species from around the world. Authoritative text, crystal-clear photography, and a systematic approach make this the most comprehensive and concise pocket guide to the butterflies and moths of the world. Packed with more than 600 full-colour photographs of over 500 species, this handy reference book is designed to cut through the process of identification and help you to recognize a species quickly and easily. Expertly written and thoroughly vetted, each entry combines a precise description with annotated photographs to highlight the characteristics and distinguishing features of each butterfly or moth, while also providing at-a-glance facts for quick reference. Dive straight into this nifty nature book to discover: - Each entry includes at-a-glance facts for quick reference.- Close-up photography shows key details and highlights distinguishing features, showing upper- and undersides and males and females where distinct.- Includes beautifully detailed illustrations of caterpillars for some species, so you can spot the species at any time of lifeThe introduction explains the difference between butterflies and moths, details the life cycle from egg to adult, rearing your own specimens, and offers guidance for finding and observing live specimens in the wild. A concise glossary defines technical and scientific terms. Compact enough to take out into the field, DK Handbooks: Butterflies & Moths makes identifying these beautiful insects easier than ever before.

The clearest and sharpest recognition guide to over 500 species of seashell from around the worldAuthoritative text, crystal-clear photography, and a systematic approach make this the most comprehensive and concise e-guide to seashells of the world. Includes more than 600 full-colour photographs of over 500 species of seashells, this handy reference ebook is designed to cut through the complex process of identification and make it accessible to the average reader.Expertly written and thoroughly vetted, each species entry combines a precise description with annotated photographs to highlight each shell's characteristics and distinguishing features. The entry always includes a distribution map, showing the geographical range of the species, as well as at-a-glance key facts. Includes detailed information on the shape of each genus, differences between the major classes, and more, this is the clearest identification e-guide to seashells for beginners and established enthusiasts alike.

The clearest and sharpest recognition guide to over 300 dog breeds from around the worldAuthoritative text, crystal-clear photography, and a systematic approach make this the most comprehensive and concise guide to dogs of the world. Packed with more than 1,000 full-colour photographs of over 300 dog breeds, this reference ebook is designed to cut through the process of identification and help you to recognize a breed quickly and easily. Expertly written and thoroughly vetted, each entry combines a precise description with annotated photographs to highlight the characteristics and distinguishing features of each breed, while bands provide at-a-glance facts for quick reference. The introduction traces the evolution of the domestic dog, explains the difference between pedigrees and non-pedigrees, looks at how breeds are classified, and examines their characteristics in detail. Designed to delight and inform dog-lovers of all ages - new owners, established enthusiasts, and envious admirers keen to tell terriers apart - the DK Handbook of Dogs offers a quick, easy way to hone your knowledge of hounds.

The clearest, most accessible guide to observing the night sky. Authoritative text, crystal-clear charts, and a systematic approach make the DK Handbook of Star and Planets the perfect beginner's guide to the night sky. A highly visual introduction explains the basic concepts of astronomy and gives advice on the best methods and equipment for observation, including binoculars and telescopes. Each of the planets in the Solar System is described and illustrated in detail, with images taken from space probes as well as from the ground, showing them as you can expect to see them. More than 160 star charts were made especially for this book by the Royal Greenwich Observatory. There is a separate detailed chart for each of the 88 constellations, adding up to a complete atlas of the sky. The text for each constellation reveals its history and mythology and lists notable stars, galaxies, nebulae, and other objects. Alongside the constellation profiles is a month-by-month guide, including a set of charts and a user-friendly text guide that picks out the highlights above your head each month.Complete with jargon-free text written by one of the foremost popularizers of astronomy and an authority on the history of constellations, the DK Handbook of Stars and Planets is the perfect introduction to stargazing.

The clearest and sharpest recognition guide to over 500 butterfly and moth species from around the world. Authoritative text, crystal-clear photography, and a systematic approach make this the most comprehensive and concise pocket guide to the butterflies and moths of the world. Packed with more than 600 full-colour photographs of over 500 species, this handy reference book is designed to cut through the process of identification and help you to recognize a species quickly and easily. Expertly written and thoroughly vetted, each entry combines a precise description with annotated photographs to highlight the characteristics and distinguishing features of each butterfly or moth, while also providing at-a-glance facts for quick reference. Dive straight into this nifty nature book to discover: - Each entry includes at-a-glance facts for quick reference.- Close-up photography shows key details and highlights distinguishing features, showing upper- and undersides and males and females where distinct.- Includes beautifully detailed illustrations of caterpillars for some species, so you can spot the species at any time of lifeThe introduction explains the difference between butterflies and moths, details the life cycle from egg to adult, rearing your own specimens, and offers guidance for finding and observing live specimens in the wild. A concise glossary defines technical and scientific terms. Compact enough to take out into the field, DK Handbooks: Butterflies & Moths makes identifying these beautiful insects easier than ever before.

The clearest and sharpest definition guide to over 500 species of trees from around the world. DK Handbook: Trees explains what a tree is, how trees are classified, and how to keep a record of the trees you have seen. Packed with over 1,000 full-colour photographs of more than 500 trees this book cuts through the complicated identification process to enable you to recognize a species instantly. To help in the initial stages of identification, the book provides a visual key that shows the differences between conifers, broadleaves, and palms, identifies each genus by leaf type, and guides you to the correct species entry. Every entry combines a precise description with annotated photographs to highlight the tree's chief characteristics and distinguishing features, and a full-colour illustration showing the spread, height, and leaf persistence of the species. A concise glossary defines technical and scientific terms. Compact enough to take out into the field or forest, DK Handbooks: Trees makes identifying nature's giants easier than ever before. Dive straight into this riveting reference guide to trees and explore: - An introduction providing an accessible primer on the basics of trees and identification.- Each entry includes at-a-glance facts for quick reference.- Photographs show close-ups of key details and highlight distinguishing features, making it easy to identify species.- A visual key of leaf type and genus makes identification simple when using the guide out and about Trees is a must-have guide nature lovers and naturalists, ramblers and hikers who want to identify and discover more about different trees.At DK, we believe in the power of discovery. So why stop there? Trees is part of DK's lovely little Handbook Series, where you can glide into the galaxies with Stars and Planets, showcase your knowledge with Shells and find out about Fossils.

The most comprehensive series of field guides to North American birds ever. This impressive collection highlights birds from all regions of the United States including localized areas such as the Mid-Atlantic, the Pacific Northwest and New England. Whether birding in the foothills of New England, the prairies of the Midwest, or the beaches of Florida, Smithsonian Handbooks are the most comprehensive field guides to North American birds on the market. Looking for the Great Blue Heron or the Piping Plover while visiting the Great Lakes? Desperate to find the rare Long Billed Curlew or the Marbled Godwit during a hike in the Cascade Mountains? There's no need to look any further! Created in association with the Smithsonian Institution, these amazing guides are an absolute staple for any birder or amateur ornithologist. Each local species receives its own profile, along with descriptions of habitats and annotated photographs that highlight specific characteristics and other points of interest. Take bird watching to new heights!

Written by noted entomologist George C. McGavin, this comprehensive handbook covers all 29 orders of insect as well as spiders and terrestrial arthropods. It’s packed with hundreds of annotated photographs and illustrations to help you discern the many types of insects and gives you a brief description of each insect family with main characteristics, including life cycles, the environment in which they thrive, and a photographic guide to assist you in categorizing the insect group. It’s an indispensable handbook for beginners and enthusiasts alike.Smithsonian Handbooks are the most visually appealing guides on the natural world in the book marketplace. Featuring more than 500 full-color illustrations and photographs, along with detailed annotations, Smithsonian Handbooks make identification easy and accurate.