DK Secret Histories – serie

For centuries, human history has been shaped by politics, power, and war - but what about love?Mark Antony's love for Cleopatra led to war between Rome and Egypt; Emperor Xuanzang of Tang relinquished the Mandate of Heaven for Yang Guifei; and the English Reformation was borne out of Henry VIII's passion for Anne Boleyn. Over the centuries since, these great loves - and many others - have been celebrated, recorded, and memorialized to stand alongside the annals of war, peace, and politics that have moulded today's world. Great Loves celebrates history's most famous romances - the joyful, the tragic, and the epic - in one stunning visual guide, showing that, regardless of age, race, gender, or orientation, love has always been a force to be reckoned with. This boldly illustrated title presents a diverse range of stories from around the world, including many relationships that defied the conventions of their day, and features romantic quotes from personal correspondence, poetry, and fiction.

Immerse yourself in the stories behind the most shocking and infamous books ever published!Censorship of one form or another has existed almost as long as the written word, while definitions of what is deemed "acceptable" in published works have shifted over the centuries, and from culture to culture.Banned Books explores why some of the world's most important literary classics and seminal non-fiction titles were once deemed too controversial for the public to read - whether for challenging racial or sexual norms, satirizing public figures, or simply being deemed unfit for young readers. From the banning of All Quiet on the Western Front and the repeated suppression of On the Origin of the Species, to the uproar provoked by Lady Chatterley's Lover, entries offer a fascinating chronological account of censorship and the astonishing role that some banned books have played in changing history. Packed with eye-opening insights into the history of the written word and the political and social climate during the period of suppression or censorship, this is a must-read for anyone interested in literature; creative writing; politics; history or law.Delve into this compelling collection of the world's most controversial books to discover: - Covers a broad range of genres and subject areas in fiction and non-fiction, ranging from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland to Spycatcher- Offers informative insights into society, politics, law, and religious belief, in different countries around the world- Features images of first editions and specially commissioned illustrations of the books' authors- Includes extracts from the banned books along with key quotations about them- Completely global in scopeA must-have volume for avid readers and literary scholars alike, alongside those with an interest in the law, politics and censorship, Banned Books profiles a selection of the most infamous, intriguing and controversial books ever written, whilst offering a unique perspective on the history of the written world - with insights into the often surprising reasons books have been banned throughout history and across the world. Whether as a gift or self-purchase, this brilliant book is a must-have addition to the library of curious thinkers, borrowers and lifelong learners. If you enjoy Banned Books, then why not try Great Loves - the first title in DK's quirky new hardback series, full of insightful and intriguing topics.

Discover the extraordinary stories behind the world's missing works of art.Travel back in time to discover works of art that have vanished from the record, as well as those that went missing and have since been reclaimed or recovered. From the treasures of Tutankhamun to the altarpiece of Ghent, a missing Fabergé egg, and Vincent van Gogh's majestic Sunset at Montmajour, numerous masterpieces have disappeared throughout history as a result of theft, looting, natural catastrophe, or conflict... And some have resurfaced decades or even centuries later!Lost Masterpieces examines the unique story of the most significant of these artworks, the artists who created them, and those thought to be involved in their loss. It explores the various means by which museum curators and international crime investigators have unearthed missing treasures. It highlights the moral dilemma of museums that have profited from looted works of art and examines the recent "heists" made by some nations in an effort to regain their nation's stolen works of art.This awe-inspiring art history book promises:- A selection of the most important "lost" cultural artefacts from ancient times to the present day- Features images of the artworks where available, or specially commissioned illustrations of them based on written accounts- Includes details of the ongoing debate about whether looted art should be returned to its country of originDelve into the mysteries of ancient Egyptian tombs, marvel at the hoards unearthed by archaeologists, and discover the skulduggery behind the disappearance of priceless Rembrandts and Vermeers, and see the world of art and antiquities in a whole new light! A must-have volume for adults and young adults with an interest in art, culture and history, whether you're an art or history student, a collector of art antiques, or you're simply a curious life-long learner, Lost Masterpieces is sure to delight.

Discover the uses and symbolic meanings of flowers over the centuries and across the globe.Flowers have been depicted as objects of beauty and wonder in countless paintings and poems, exchanged as tokens of love and affection, and displayed as symbols of both celebration and remembrance - "saying it with flowers" is truly part of the human experience. But how does the significance of flowers vary across cultures and at different points in history? And what makes certain flowers special?The Secret Language of Flowers explores the meaning of more than 85 flowers, tracing their history as symbols and charting their role in folklore and mythology around the world. This fascinating book on flowers can help you to:-Unlock the meaning of flowers throughout history - from early peoples to the 19th-century.- Discover the Victorian language of flowers popular in the US, UK, and Europe.- Gain an insight into folklore and mythology in relation to different flowers.- Uncover what flowers mean in various cultures around the world. -Uncover traditional medicinal uses of plants, such as aloe, which is used to treat burns.Uncover the rich and fascinating histories of individual flowers - the sunflower, for example, which was regarded by the Aztecs as a symbol of war, but became a symbol of devotion in 19th-century painting due to the fact that it "turns its head" to follow the sun. Learn about the function of flowers in society, from the practical to the playful - flowers have been used as remedies and tonics - tea tree and coneflower (or echinacea), for example - as well as as a means of sending cryptic messages to lovers and friends.The Secret Language of Flowers is an entertaining guide to the rich stories that lie beyond the seductive aromas and dazzling beauty of flowers of all kinds. Each flower featured throughout the book is arranged by season, from the first snowdrops and primroses of spring, the glorious roses of summer, the stunning fuchsias and dahlias of autumn to the holly and poinsettia of the winter months, there's a flower for everyone to fall in love with. At DK, we believe in the power of discovery. So why stop there? If you like The Secret Language of Flowers, then why not try Great Loves which celebrates some of the most famous romances in history, or Lost Masterpieces to discover extraordinary stories behind the world's missing works of art.