Smithsonian Institution

Traces human development and culture through cartography, from early rock carvings to the latest geospatial technology.

"Combining expert historical insight with the eyewitness accounts of soldiers and civilians, A Short History of the Civil War offers a brilliant summary of the key events and wider context of the hostilities between North and South. Profiles of influential military and political leaders, and thought-provoking features on themes and experiences, from the evils of slavery to the treatment of wounded soldiers, bring the story dramatically to life." --...

"Authoritative text, crystal-clear photography, and a systematic approach make this the most comprehensive and concise pocket guide to dogs of the world. Packed with more than 1,000 full-color photographs of over 300 dog breeds, this handy reference book 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...

"In the 11 years since this book was released, thousands of new species have been identified, and new revelations have redrawn the tree of life. Already featuring galleries of more than 5,000 species, Natural History now includes discoveries such as the olinguito (the "kitty bear" of the Andean cloud forest) and the painted mannakin of Peru. It takes advantage of the first living observations of the giant squid and the deep-sea anglerfish. And it...

World War I was a conflict on an epic scale which left an indelible mark on the collective memory of countries that lost a generation of young men. This visually stunning book recounts the course of the war in vivid detail, re-creating the experience of titanic battles such as Gallipoli, the Somme, and Verdun, and documenting the firsthand accounts of combatants and civilians. Authoritative and packed with compelling images, it offers a true understanding...