Encyclopedias – serie

From the Battle of Marathon to the Minotaur, from the Acropolis to Aristotle, from Theseus to the Theban hegemony, from slavery to Sparta, The Encyclopedia of Ancient Greece is a fascinating fully illustrated reference work, spanning both political history, society, wars, art, architecture, culture, philosophy and mythology. Covering the founding of the Minoan civilization on Crete in the 3rd millennium BCE, Mycenaean Greece in the 2nd millennium, the Greek Dark Ages and the heights of Athenian civilization in the 5th and 4th centuries BCE, the book expertly examines a wide range of aspects of the civilization that is considered to be the foundation of Western culture. Thousands of years later we can easily identify the influences of ancient Greece in modern politics, society and architecture, its mythical tales are still recounted and their patterns can be spotted throughout modern literature, television and film. Featuring more than 400 colour photographs and artworks, The Encyclopedia of Ancient Greece is an accessibly written exploration, reaching from siege warfare to Socrates, public sacrifice to public festivals to the Peloponnesian War.

Rome may have fallen in the late fifth century CE, but more than 1,500 years later its mark on Europe and around the Mediterranean is still evident. It’s not just in the roads, aqueducts and settlements, though, that Rome’s immense legacy can be found. Or even in more recent buildings – from the Renaissance to the present day – that have been constructed in a neoclassical style. We need only look at modern law, which is based on principles developed during the Roman Empire. Or modern philosophy, which stands on the shoulders of work by Seneca and others. And although Latin may be a dead language, we still use it in scientific classification – even for newly coined words. From Augustus’s reign as the First Emperor of Rome to the Barbarian invasions beginning in the 5th century CE, The Encyclopedia of the Roman Empire is an outstanding celebration of the glory that was the Roman Empire. Ranging from military expansion to life within a Roman legion, from Pompeii to Jerusalem to Constantinople, from political assassinations to gladiatorial games, from the Roman Catacombs to Hadrian’s Wall, and from the Jewish Revolt to early Christianity, the book expertly explores the political, cultural, social and religious history of the Roman Empire. This is the story of Marcus Agrippa, Caligula, Claudius, Hadrian, Livia and Hadrian – and many others. Accessibly written and with a wealth of colour illustrations and photographs, The Encyclopedia of the Roman Empire is a fascinating reference work for any home.

The World's Greatest Cars brings together some of the most famous motor vehicles in the world – classic designs that have a fanatical global following, and which all car enthusiasts would agree are worthy of inclusion, including the Ford GT40, Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost and Chevrolet Corvette. But this book isn’t just about the most powerful, most prestigious or most advanced cars in the world. It’s a book for everyone and includes quirky, lovable cars such as the VW Beetle and Bond Bug. The World's Greatest Cars celebrates the best, the most stylish and the most memorable cars from motoring history. Humble machines such as the Mini, Fiat 500, Citroen 2CV and Renault 4 sit bumper-to-bumper with evocative names such as Ferrari, Bugatti and Porsche, while we’ve also included cars that have sold in their millions across the globe, such as the Ford Focus and Toyota Camry. Each car is illustrated over two pages with full-colour, five-view studio photography, annotated to show particular features worthy of note. Informed text written by motoring experts and full specifications bring each car and its history to life. Featuring 250 magnificent cars, The World's Greatest Cars is the perfect celebration of the world’s best cars.

For more than 3,000 years, Egypt was home to the greatest civilization on earth. Illustrated with more than 1,500 photographs and specially commissioned illustrations, The Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt is a celebration of the wonders of ancient Egypt, from the mask of Tutankhamun to the Valley of the Kings and the great pyramids of Giza, and from tomb hieroglyphs to golden treasures decorated with ankhs and scarabs. Exploring the history, religion, literature, and art of the ancient Egyptians, as well as the day-to-day experience of ordinary citizens such as pyramid builders, scribes, and craftsmen, this book brings to life the world of the pharaohs in vivid detail, providing a wealth of information about this fascinating and mysterious culture.

From the American Civil War and the introduction of the metal cartridge in the 1860s up to the present day, The Encyclopedia of Weapons is an accessible reference guide to the most important small arms, armoured vehicles, aircraft and ships from all around the world. The book ranges from the first Gatling guns to favourites such as the Lee Enfield rifle and the AK-47; in terms of aircraft the book includes World War I biplanes, World War II’s Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero fighter and on to modern stealth aircraft; in naval weaponry the book features early ironclad submarines, classic ships such as Bismarck and the nuclear subs of today; from the first tanks on the Western Front in World War I, such as the Mark V Male, the book covers the development of armoured fighting vehicles, featuring such classics as the Soviet T-34 and modern tanks like the M1 Abrams. With an entry per page, each weapon is illustrated with two colour artworks – some of them cutaways – a colour or black-&-white photograph, an authoritative history on its development, production and service history and a box of essential specifications. Featuring more than 400 entries, The Encyclopedia of Weapons is a fascinating reference work on the most important tanks, guns, military ships and aircraft over the past 150 years.

The events of 1939–1945 had such a dramatic impact on the world that it is easy to forget that Allied victory was far from certain, especially in the early part of the war when both the Nazis in Europe and the Japanese in the Pacific were sweeping all before them. History of World War II chronicles the war as it happened, focusing on key battles and events that act as signposts in the slow change of fortunes of either side. Divided into two sections, one on each major theatre, the book describes such famous events as the attack on Pearl Harbor, the battle of Stalingrad, the Normandy landings, the fall of Berlin, and the struggle for Iwo Jima. Linking each famous event is an in-depth chronology detailing other events happening elsewhere, building into a snapshot of the war at that point. In each section are spreads comparing and contrasting the strengths of essential weapons in that battle: fighter aircraft in the Battle of Britain, tanks at Kursk, landing aircraft at D- Day and in the Pacific. Each of these spreads is packed with colourful diagrams, graphs and charts to help you grasp the relative strengths of, for example, different aircraft carriers at the Battle of Midway, US versus Japanese small arms at Okinawa and anti- tank guns in the Normandy campaign, among many other engagements. The final part of the book provides a chronology of the war. Highly illustrated with colour maps and both colour and black-and-white photographs and colour artworks, History of World War II is a both a handy reference volume on the progress of the conflict and the weapons used to fight it.

From early jets to the F-22 Raptor, from the Centurion A41 tank to the Bradley M2, from aircraft carriers to nuclear submarines, Military Aircraft, Tanks & Warships Visual Encyclopedia is a fascinating guide to aircraft, tanks and ships from the beginning of the Cold War to the present day. Arranged by type and then chronologically within each type, each entry or variant is illustrated with an excellent full-colour artwork, showing in great detail its characteristics and markings, and completed with an informative caption and technical specifications. Ranging from the Korean War to Vietnam, from India and Pakistan to the Arab-Israeli conflict, from the Falklands to Afghanistan and Iraq, the book includes main battle tanks, tank destroyers, armoured personnel carriers, amphibious tanks, fighter jets, interceptors, bombers, transport aircraft, Stealth bombers, aircraft carriers, destroyers and submarines. With 850 outstanding colour artworks, Military Aircraft, Tanks & Warships Visual Encyclopedia is an authoritatively researched book that will appeal to anyone with an interest in modern military technology.

There is nothing more cute or appealing that a little kitten who wants to play or wants to curl up on their owner’s lap for a well-deserved snooze. Kitten affection is a unique experience, and they can very quickly become attached to their owners. Why do cats purr? How much can you learn about a cat’s mood from the direction it flicks its tail? How do cats show trust with their eyes? Why do cats rub against their owners’ legs? Arranged in chapters covering shorthairs and longhairs, Encyclopedia of Cats features a huge range of breeds from all around the world. From Siamese to Russian Blue, Manx to American Bobtail, Burmese to Bombay, the book expertly explores and celebrates this most beloved pet. With fascinating captions on every page, even cat lovers will learn something new. Encyclopedia of Cats is a brilliant examination in over 400 outstanding vivid photographs.

The first species to be domesticated, dogs have been selectively bred over thousands of years. Today they’re man’s best friend – but while many are pets, many, too, are working animals: for the police, for the blind, as guard dogs, as sheepdogs, pulling sleds and as therapy animals. Arranged in chapters covering working dogs, companion dogs, dog behaviour, and puppies, Encyclopedia of Dogs is a hugely informative visual celebration. From huskies to German shepherds, from collies to Chihuahuas, Shih Tzu to Jack Russell Terriers, Labradors to Bullmastiffs to Dachshunds, the book includes a huge range of breeds. With fascinating captions on every page, even dog lovers will learn something new. Encyclopedia of Dogs is a brilliant examination in over 400 outstanding photographs.

Beginning in the sixth millennium BCE, in the Indus Valley, Mesopotamia and along the Nile River, human civilization expanded to develop writing systems, farming methods, social organization and modes of government. Today, humans inhabit every part of the planet, connected by digital technology and modern infrastructure. Arranged chronologically, History of the World offers a broad overview of the most important events in human history, including the building of great funerary tombs in Ancient Egypt, the Trojan War, the development of democratic forms of government in Ancient Athens under Pericles, the birth of Christ, the expansion of Islam from Arabia, the Viking raids across northwest Europe, the capture of Jerusalem during the Crusades, Martin Luther nailing his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg, Copernicus proposing a new model of the Universe, the rule of the Tokugawa shoguns in Japan, the Boston Tea Party and the American Revolution, Napoleon’s domination of Europe following the French victory at Austerlitz, Stephenson’s development of the steam locomotive, the break up of great empires following the end of World War I, the use of nuclear weapons at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the advent of the modern computer, beginning with Alan Turing’s code-breaking Bombe machine at Bletchley Park during World War II. History of the World provides a sumptuous, pictorial guide to the most significant events in human history, from the Bronze Age to the 21st Century.

With the development of the Wright Flyer in 1903, soon aircraft builders turned their thoughts to developing the new technology for military uses. The Wright Model A was commissioned by the US Army Signal Corps in 1908, and a German-built Etrich Taube reconnaissance plane was used in combat during the Italo-Turkish War of 1911, when an Italian pilot manually dropped an aerial bomb on Turkish troops in Libya. From these humble beginnings, the military aircraft was born. Encyclopedia of Military Aircraft offers a comprehensive guide to military aircraft of all types, from the early artillery spotters of World War I to the latest stealth aircraft stalking our skies today. Find out about the German Fokker Eindecker, the first purpose-built monoplane fighter and labelled the ‘Fokker scourge’ by Allied pilots because of its effectiveness; learn about the elegant Spitfire, an aircraft that gained mythic status because of its role in the Battle of Britain; discover the Boeing B-29, the aircraft that dropped the first nuclear bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima; learn about the vertical take-off and landing qualities of the Harrier, a type deployed since the 1970s by navies around the world; be amazed at the SR-71 Blackbird spy plane, which is able to fly at altitudes of 25,900m (85,000ft); and explore the Chengdu J-20 ‘Mighty Dragon’, China’s new stealth fighter. Each aircraft is illustrated with detailed, accurate artworks – some of them cutaways – a photograph, a concise account of the plane’s development, production and service history and a panel of essential specifications. Featuring more than 430 entries, Encyclopedia of Military Aircraft is a complete reference work on the most important fighters, bombers, interceptors, reconnaissance planes, seaplanes, helicopters and drones from the early 20th century to the present.

From the skeleton to skin cells, lungs to lymph nodes, adrenal glands to aorta, Human Anatomy provides an authoritative guide to every aspect and function of the human body. Compiled by a team of medical experts, this vivid guide combines scientifically accurate artworks with straightforward accessible language, taking the reader through the workings of human anatomy. Along the way, the book explains everything from how we digest food, to how we blink, to how the body deteriorates with age. The book is divided into 13 chapters, covering: genetics and cells; skin, hair and nails; the musculoskeletal system; the nervous system; the senses; the cardiovascular system; the respiratory system; the digestive system; the kidneys and urinary system; the lymphatic and immune systems; the endocrine system; the reproductive system; and aging and death. In these pages, the reader can learn about the workings of the shoulder joint, and role of synovial fluid in maintaining flexibility; explore the network of respiratory airways that connect the larynx to the alveoli; and understand the lymphatic system, and its essential function in defending against invading micro-organisms. With detailed annotations accompanying more than 400 accurate artworks, Human Anatomy is an easy-to-understand guide to how the body works that would make a perfect addition to every student and home library.

From the dawn of civilization man has held a fascination with the sea, and over the centuries has built myriad ships and sailing craft for an equally diverse range of purposes. Encyclopedia of Warships provides a fascinating at-a-glance guide to more than 400 of the most important ships from ancient times to the present day. The book provides compact coverage of some of the most famous sailing ships, including San Martin, the flagship of the Spanish Armada; the steam frigate USS Powhatan, aboard which Commodore Matthew Perry negotiated the United States’ first trade treaty with Japan in 1854; the Japanese World War II I-400-class carrier submarine, which was uniquely equipped with floatplanes; and the nuclear-powered supercarriers USS Enterprise and USS Nimitz, that dominated the world’s oceans during the Cold War era. Each ship is illustrated with one or two accurate artworks – some of them cutaways – a photograph, an authoritative history on its development, production and service history and a box panel of essential specifications. Featuring more than 400 entries, from the Viking longship through the 16th-century galleon to the supercarriers and nuclear submarines of the 21st century, Encyclopedia of Warships includes every conceivable type of warship.

From the beginning of the panzer-led German blitzkrieg in September 1939 to the dropping of the atomic bomb on Nagasaki in August 1945, World War II Encyclopedia of Aircraft, Tanks & Warships is an accessible reference guide to the most important aircraft, armoured fighting vehicles, artillery and ships deployed by all armies during the world's most destructive war.Each weapon is illustrated with one or two accurate artworks – some of them cutaways – an authentic photograph, an authoritative history on its development, production and service history and a box panel of essential specifications.The book ranges from the mighty Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress which led the strategic bombing of Nazi-occupied Europe to the ever-adaptable Supermarine Spitfire and the Me 262 jet fighter, the first jet aircraft to see combat; from classic battleships such as the German Bismarck to the great aircraft carriers of the Pacific Fleet, such as the USS Enterprise; from the Red Army’s T-34 tank – perhaps the war’s most effective fighting vehicle – to the King Tiger, the conflict’s most powerful tank.Featuring more than 400 entries, World War II Encyclopedia of Aircraft, Tanks & Warships is a fascinating reference work on the most important aircraft, tanks, guns, and warships from 1939 to 1945.

Illustrated with more than 250 outstanding photographs, Wild Animals presents an in-depth look at the natural world’s most deadly, endangered or just plain strange creatures, from poisonous spiders to aggressive caimans and man-eating sharks. The selection spans a broad spectrum of wildlife, from large carnivores such as the grizzly bear and great white shark to smaller creatures such as the kiwi, elephant beetle and sea spider. Each of the world's habitats is covered, with examples carefully drawn from every region of the planet – from the majestic lion of the African plains and the polar bear of the Arctic wastes, to the Komodo dragon of Southeast Asia, whose saliva carries poisonous bacteria that can kill a person in hours. Featuring around 175 species, each photographic entry is supported with a fascinating caption, explaining how the animal manages to be so deadly. Beautifully presented, this accessible book is a wonderful introduction to some of the planet’s most fascinating wild creatures.

A stunning look at Earth's wildlife and natural history, including rocks, minerals, animals, plants, fungi and more! Arranged by climatic conditions and habitats, Natural History of the World offers a broad overview of the most important animals and vegetation in each region. These areas help us understand the ranges of plants and animals, including identifying species that may be under threat from habitat loss. Climate zones can even help farmers and gardeners understand which plants will grow best in their area. From the arid, desolate Sahara, the largest hot desert in the world where temperatures can exceed 40°C (100°F), to Macapá in Brazil where the tropical monsoon climate means over six months of rain from December to July every year, marvel at the beauty and variety that exists on our planet and has done so for millions of years. Striking imagery is accompanied with easy-to-read, accessible information, making it a riveting, essential history. Natural History of the World is an explorative, pictorial guide to every environment on the planet and how nature has evolved to live there, ranging from the Mesozoic Era to the present day.

Mankind has waged warfare for as long as hunters have been able to wield deadly weapons: rock paintings dating back 10,000 years show hunter-gatherers in Spain fighting with bows and arrows. The history of humankind is in part the history of warfare, as peoples and states have sought to impose themselves on each and protect their own interests, fighting for land, resources and influence. Arranged chronologically, History of War offers a broad overview of the most important wars, battles and campaigns from the Bronze Age to the present, with extensive coverage of the key developments in military technology along the way. Learn about the fabled Siege of Troy, and the Bronze Age weapons deployed at the time; understand how William of Normandy broke the Anglo-Saxon shield wall at Hastings with the clever use of feint cavalry tactics, and in so doing, won himself a kingdom; marvel at the final fall of the Eastern Roman empire, when Mehmet II’s Ottoman troops finally stormed the walls of Constantinople in 1453; follow the three-day battle at Gettysburg, where the Union army halted Lee’s Confederate advance north and turned the war in favour of the federal government; see the success of the tank as a spearhead of lightning tactics, deployed so effectively by Germany during the invasions of Poland, France and Russia in World War II; and understand the uses of drones in modern warfare, and their ability use stealth tactics to destroy tanks, artillery and fixed enemy positions. History of War provides a sumptuous, pictorial guide to the most significant wars, battles and campaigns in world history, from the Bronze Age to the 21st Century.

From the ancient world to the present day, from the natural world to man-made structures, Wonders of the World explores the most awe-inspiring places from around the globe. From waterfalls to deserts, from bridges to opera houses, from palaces to national parks, and from the world’s tallest skyscraper to the Earth’s highest mountains, this book explains the fascinating stories of extraordinary places, both famous and little-known. The book explains the fascinating facts and stories behind these extraordinary places. For example, did you know that the Dead Sea is 9.6 times saltier than the ocean? That the Great Barrier Reef supports 2195 plant species? Or that the Millau Viaduct in France is the tallest bridge in the world at 343m (1125ft)? Arranged by continent, this book includes natural features such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Northern Lights and Niagara Falls, as well as human creations like Stonehenge, the Colosseum, Chartres Cathedral, Angkor Wat and the Empire State Building. Featuring 376 outstanding photographs, Wonders of the World is an exploration of the world’s most captivating treasures.

Since World War I, weapons of war have become increasingly more sophisticated as industrialization and computerization have taken hold in weapons design and manufacture. Tanks & AFVs is a directory of more than 1000 of the finest tanks, jeeps, trucks, tank destroyers, wheeled and tracked infantry vehicles, amphibious vehicles, engineer vehicles, self-propelled artillery and other combat vehicles built since 1914. Arranged chronologically and by type, the book provides a comprehensive visual guide to the development of the most interesting AFVs that have seen service. Each featured vehicle is illustrated with a detailed artwork in profile or three-quarter view, showing in great detail the features of the vehicle and the different paint schemes used for different marks or for vehicles used in different campaigns. Among the vehicles featured are such major names as the Abrams, Sherman, Tiger and T-34 tanks, and many more. With 1000 outstanding detailed artworks, Tanks & AFVs is an authoritatively researched book that will be of interest to any military technology or land warfare enthusiasts.