Search results for ""national geographic society""

When the pandemic year forced photographer Joel Sartore to stay home in Nebraska instead of travelling to zoos and wildlife cenres around the world, what did he do? He went outside and explored bugs. This book reveals more than 100 species of insects, spiders, and related creatures—some exotic, but many common in fields, forests, and neighborhoods. Amazing portraits in Sartore’s signature style—against a black or white background—capture these creatures’ bulbous eyes, probing antennae, and iridescent bodies in living colour. Alongside, entertaining text explains the basics of insect bodies, lives, and behaviour, rich with unforgettable details. Who knew that a South American butterfly emerges from a chrysalis that glistens like gold? Or that one species of beetle has pincers as long as the rest of its body? Or that wolf spiders can purr?

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This powerful book from National Geographic plumbs its iconic Image Collection to showcase the history of women around the world. Filled with 400-plus stunning photographs from more than 30 countries taken over the past 130 years, each page creates a searing portrait of what it means to be female. Shot by famed National Geographic photographers like Lindsay Addario, Erika Larsen, and Amy Vitale, this provocative collection examines women’s lifestyles across world cultures, from historic suffragette images to the haunting green-eyed “Afghan girl.” Featuring interviews with activists and personalities including Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Ellen Pao, the book illustrates where women have been, where they are now, and where they are going. Here, at last, is definitive proof that the future is female.

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As a family of five, the Bucket List Family has swum with whales in Tonga, slept in castles in Ireland, lived on a houseboat in Amsterdam, eaten breakfast with giraffes in Kenya, spent Halloween in Disneyland, and visited more than 90 countries around the world. Now, Jessica Gee brings her tips and tricks to you in the ultimate expert’s guide to traveling as a family. This beautifully illustrated guide provides all the know-how to fulfill your own family’s bucket list - including how-tos for picking a destination, packing, budgeting, and even surviving a 12-hour plane ride. Along with personal family anecdotes, Jess offers 50 itineraries for family-friendly destinations and inspiring top-10 lists with destinations for every age. You’ll learn everything you need to know to take a family vacation to: South Africa, where you can walk on a beach with penguins - Utah, where ice castles bring a world of magic to a vacation full of natural wonders - Berlin, where holidays come to life at beloved Christmas markets - The Galapagos, where your kids will squeal with joy as they encounter penguins and larger-than-life tortoises - Alaska, where you’ll feel you’ve gone truly wild in the last frontier - And so much more! This insider's guide from one of the world’s most traveled families will inspire you to create new and lasting memories with your family for years to come.

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Drawn from National Geographic's unparalleled image collection, the photographs in this breathtaking volume celebrate the vibrant beauty and rich cultural heritage of Egypt on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the discovery of King Tuts tomb. Egypt’s rich history astonishes us again and again with priceless treasures, exquisite craftsmanship, and a bounty of artifacts that enables us to envision the past with extraordinary detail. It is an epic saga 5,000 years in the making, and one that National Geographic has covered for more than a century. This magnificent book, published to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of King Tut’s tomb, portrays the hallowed country’s most remarkable achievements, viewed through decades of discovery chronicled in National Geographic magazine. From the breathless opening of King Tut’s tomb in 1922 to the astonishing find of perfectly preserved boats, entombed for eternity near Giza’s pyramid, here is the story of a proud and dynamic empire that changed the world; its colossal architecture and imposing statues force us to re-think the engineering limitations of the world before modern tools were available. Documenting a series of incredible discoveries—including a complex of royal graves filled with dazzling gold artifacts at the ancient city of Tanis, intriguing clues to the life and times of Cleopatra, and newly uncovered traces of Alexandria, Abydos, and other fabled sites—Treasures of Egypt embodies the culture’s most fascinating historical milestones. Filled with vivid photographs, revealing time lines, and profiles of major explorers in the field, this exquisite book will inform and inspire.

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Blending high adventure with history, this chronicle of 100 astonishing discoveries from the Dead Sea Scrolls to the fabulous "Lost City of the Monkey God" tells incredible stories of how explorers and archaeologists have uncovered the clues that illuminate our past. Archaeology is the key that unlocks our deepest history. Ruined cities, golden treasures, cryptic inscriptions, and ornate tombs have been found across the world, and yet these artifacts of ages past often raised more questions than answers. But with the emergence of archaeology as a scientific discipline in the 19th century, everything changed. Illustrated with dazzling photographs, this enlightening narrative tells the story of human civilization through 100 key expeditions, spanning six continents and more than three million years of history. Each account relies on firsthand reports from explorers, antiquarians, and scientists as they crack secret codes, evade looters and political suppression, fall in love, commit a litany of blunders, and uncover ancient curses. Pivotal discoveries include: King Tut's tomb of treasure Terracotta warriors escorting China's first emperor into the afterlife The glorious Anglo-Saxon treasure of Sutton-Hoo Graves of the Scythians, the real Amazon warrior women New findings on the grim fate of the colonists of Jamestown With a foreword from bestselling author Douglas Preston, Lost Cities, Ancient Tombs is an expertly curated and breath-taking panorama of the human journey.

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This ultimate skier and snowboarder bucket list, from celebrated runs in Alta, Utah, to the challenge of Switzerland's 4 Vallees races through 100 energizing snowy experiences for all levels. Filled with beautiful National Geographic photography, wisdom from experts, need-to-know travel information, and practical tips, this inspirational guide offers the planet's best ski and snowboarding experiences on breathtaking slopes around the world. Complete with a foreword from celebrated Olympic alpine skier Lindsey Vonn, 100 Slopes of a Lifetime is divided by interest and skill level: cross-country routes to intermediate downhill moguls to expert-only backcountry terrain, skiers and snowboarders will find the perfect destination for their dream terrain. From dreamy Colorado escapes to Hokkaido, Japan, where Siberian storms dump more than 60 feet of snow every year, you'll find countless slopes to add to your bucket list from the wilds of Alaska to breathtaking Morocco. Plus find plenty of apres ski activities including: Getting up close with elk in Jackson Hole Trying Europe's longest toboggan run Or sampling the Dolomite's finest cuisine) Grab your skis or boards; this comprehensive and innovative guide will lead you to experience the greatest snow-play adventures the world has to offer!

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Written in the tradition of historians like Mary Beard and Stacy Schiff who find modern lessons in ancient history, this provocative narrative explores the lives of five remarkable pharaohs who ruled Egypt with absolute power, shining a new light on the country's 3,000-year empire and its meaning today. In a new era when democracies around the world are threatened or crumbling, best-selling author Kara Cooney turns to five ancient Egyptian pharaohs--Khufu, Senwosret III, Akenhaten, Ramses II, and Taharqa--to understand why many so often give up power to the few, and what it can mean for our future. As the first centralized political power on earth, the pharaohs and their process of divine kingship can tell us a lot about the world's politics, past and present. Every animal-headed god, every monumental temple, every pyramid, every tomb, offers extraordinary insight into a culture that combined deeply held religious beliefs with uniquely human schemes to justify a system in which one ruled over many.From Khufu, the man who built the Great Pyramid at Giza as testament to his authoritarian reign, and Taharqa, the last true pharaoh who worked to make Egypt great again, we discover a clear lens into understanding how power was earned, controlled, and manipulated in ancient times. And in mining the past, Cooney uncovers the reason why societies have so willingly chosen a dictator over democracy, time and time again.

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Follow the fascinating threads of human history in this monumental volume, amply illustrated with maps, archival imagery, and revealing photographs. History comes to life in this comprehensive overview of humankind, from earliest times to the present day. Each page is filled with stunning visuals and thought-provoking text that make this book an instant classic. From the Babylonian Empire to the Persian Gulf War, from the Xia and Shang Dynasties of Bronze Age China to the new space race, from Egyptian hieroglyphics to the digital age—here, in vivid color and crisp narrative, is the sweeping story of the history of civilization. Every chapter includes: Notable dates Salient quotations from the time Explanatory maps Fascinating sidebar stories Photographs of artifacts & landscapes Art works depicting dramatic scenes Visually driven, rich and far-reaching yet friendly and browsable, with iconic National Geographic maps, illustrations, and images enhancing the pages, this new book is a history-lover’s dream. You can complete your collection of recent National Geographic history books with National Geographic History at a Glance and More Bad Days in History by Michael Farquhar -- and you will treasure earlier National Geographic titles by this author, including The Biblical World, In the Footsteps of Jesus, and Archaeology of the Bible.

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This large-format, comprehensive book offers the itineraries of a lifetime for explorers and adrenaline junkies alike, from navigating class-five rapids through the Grand Canyon to tubing the glow worm caves of New Zealand to parasailing over the hills of Cartagena. Written by the father of adventure travel, Expedia founder Richard Bangs, and featuring more than 300 vivid photographs, each of the 100 itineraries in this inspirational guide reveals the planet's best destinations for hikers, skiers, divers, rafters, and more. Featuring more than 20 top-ten lists covering everything from the world's best hiking trails to the top wildlife parks, you'll also learn everything you need to know for the ultimate epic journey: what to pack, when to go, and what to do. Blending adventure with cultural experiences--for example, a safari through Madagascar or visiting the ruins of Buddhist temples after sea kayaking the warm waters of Vietnam--this one-of-a-kind collection will lead you to new heights of exploration.

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The legendary explorer of Titanic and Lusitania reveals the secret military missions behind his famous exploits and unveils a major new discovery on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Titanic find. Best known for finding the wreck of the Titanic, celebrated adventurer Robert Ballard has a lifetime of stories about exploring the ocean depths. From discovering new extremophile life-forms thriving at 750°F hydrothermal vents in 1977 to finding famous shipwrecks including the Bismarck and PT 109, Ballard has made history. Now the captain of E/V Nautilus, a state-of-the-art scientific exploration vessel rigged for research in oceanography, geology, biology, and archaeology, he leads young scientists as they map the ocean floor, collect artifacts from ancient shipwrecks, and relay live-time adventures from remote-controlled submersibles to reveal amazing sea life. Now, for the first time, Robert Ballard gets personal, telling the inside stories of his adventures and challenges as a midwestern kid with dyslexia who became an internationally renowned ocean explorer. Here is the definitive story of the danger and discovery, conflict and triumph that make up his remarkable life.

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From Okinawa to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, find the ultimate travel itineraries for above and below water in this inspiring and comprehensive guide to the worlds 50 best scuba diving destinations.In this illuminating compendium, National Geographic travel expert Carrie Miller and dive master Christian Taylor reveal the 50 top destinations for both scuba divers and their vacation buddies. The result of a yearlong research journey, this beautifully illustrated guide offers unique itineraries with a wide range of options for divers of various levels, snorkelers, or landlubbers, providing the perfect vacation to satisfy everyone on your trip. Featuring tips on what to do, what to see, and where to be on land and at sea, each location includes top-rate shared experiences from unique hiking adventures to day-trip opportunities and sailboat tours, as well as solo excursions for when divers and land-based travellers choose to go their own ways. From the white sand beaches of Fregate Island and the rocky coastline of Croatia to the city of Laguna Beach and Australia's Great Barrier Reef, these wanderlust itineraries include: Diving with marine iguanas in the Galapagos Islands Learning a unique form of martial arts in Thailand Visiting the Maoi of Easter Island above and below water Swimming with sharks in Fiji Planting coral reef gardens in Mo'orea Diving among salmon in Alaska A black-water night dive off the coast of Kona, Hawaii And so much more! With crucial tips on where to go, what to do, and where to stay—plus how to preserve these precious destinations—this is the ultimate guide for divers, adventurers, and everyone in between.

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In this inspiring manifesto, an internationally renowned oceanographer makes the provocative case for why protecting nature makes economic sense. Enric Sala wants to change the world--and in this groundbreaking book, he shows us how. Once we appreciate how nature works, he asserts, we will understand why its preservation is economically practical and essential to our survival. In this highly readable narrative, Sala, director of National Geographic's Pristine Seas project, tells the story of his scientific awakening, the colorful mentors whose work inspired him, and his transition from academic to activism--because, as he put it, he was tired of writing the obituary of the ocean. His revelations are surprising, and sometimes counterintuitive: Lots of sharks are actually the best indicator of a healthy ocean ecosystem, and crop diversity, rather than intensive monoculture farming, is the key to planetary abundance. For decades, Sala has spearheaded ocean protection, convincing world leaders to protect areas amounting to five times the size of Texas--and he is still passionately pushing for more. Using fascinating examples from his own expeditions and groundbreaking findings from other scientists, Sala builds the case for the economic wisdom of making room for nature, even as the population builds to eight million and grows more urbanized by the decade. Both relatable and inspiring, this powerful book will change the way you think about the world--and the future.

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Using humour and real science in the tradition of Mary Roach, this groovy narrative from the author of National Geographic's popular Gory Details blog illuminates the gross, strange, morbid, and outright absurd realities of our bodies, our earth, and our universe. Filled to the brim with far-out facts, this wacky, funny, and informative narrative takes us on a fascinating journey through the astonishing world of science. With Erika Engelhaupt, founding editor of National Geographic's Gory Details blog, as your guide, all your weirdest and wildest fascinations will be illuminated. From the biologist who endured countless honeybee stings to test which spot was the most painful to the dollhouse-sized replicas of crime scenes built to analyze blood splatter to NASA's enduring dilemma--do women need to have their periods in space?--this entertaining book explores oft-ignored but alluring facets of biology, anatomy, space exploration, nature, and more. Featuring top-notch reporting, interviews with leading researchers in the field, and a healthy dose of wit, Gory Details depicts the world's most intriguing real-world applications of science in all their glory--making geekiness cool all over again!

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This riveting narrative explores the lives of six remarkable female pharaohs, from Hatshepsut to Cleopatra--women who ruled with real power--and shines a piercing light on our own perceptions of women in power today. Female rulers are a rare phenomenon--but thousands of years ago in ancient Egypt, women reigned supreme. Regularly, repeatedly, and with impunity, queens like Hatshepsut, Nefertiti, and Cleopatra controlled the totalitarian state as power-brokers and rulers. But throughout human history, women in positions of power were more often used as political pawns in a male-dominated society. What was so special about ancient Egypt that provided women this kind of access to the highest political office? What was it about these women that allowed them to transcend patriarchal obstacles? What did Egypt gain from its liberal reliance on female leadership, and could today's world learn from its example? Celebrated Egyptologist Kara Cooney delivers a fascinating tale of female power, exploring the reasons why it has seldom been allowed through the ages, and why we should care.

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Why are you attracted to a certain "type?" Why are you a morning person? Why do you vote the way you do? From a witty new voice in popular science comes a life-changing look at what makes you you. "I can't believe I just said that." "What possessed me to do that?" "What's wrong with me?" We're constantly seeking answers to these fundamental human questions, and now, science has the answers. Clever, relatable, and revealing, this eye-opening narrative from Indiana University School of Medicine professor Bill Sullivan explores why we do the things we do through the lens of genetics, microbiology, psychology, neurology, and family history. From what we love (and hate) to eat and who we vote for in political elections to when we lose our virginity and why some people find drugs so addicting, this illuminating book uses the latest scientific research to unveil the secrets of what makes us tick. Filled with fascinating insights--including how experiences that haunted our grandparents echo in our DNA, why the bacteria in our guts mess with our minds, and whether there really is a "murder gene"--this revolutionary book explains the hidden forces shaping who we are, pointing us on a path to how we might become our best selves.

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This comprehensive atlas delves into the cartographic history of WWII: naval, land, and aerial attacks from the invasion of Poland to Pearl Harbor and the Battle of the Bulge. Rare maps include a detailed Germany & Approaches map used by Allied forces in the final stages of the war, full large-scale wartime maps of the world used by President Roosevelt, and crucial Pacific theater maps used by B-17 pilots. Satellite data renders terrain as never before seen, highlighting countries and continents in stunning detail to include the towns, cities, provinces, and transportation roads for a pinpoint-accurate depiction of army movements and alliances. Gripping wartime stories from these hallowed fields of battle, along with photographs, sketches, confidential documents, and artifacts color the rest of this timeless and informative book. This definitive, lavishly illustrated book features an astonishing array of vintage and newly created maps, rare photographs, covert documents, and eyewitness accounts that illuminate the world's greatest conflict.

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With the audacious belief that the lifestyles of the world's Blue Zones could be adapted and replicated in towns across North America, Buettner launched the largest preventive healthcare project in the United States--The Blue Zones City Makeovers. In these pages, readers can be inspired by the specific stories of the people, foods, and routines of our healthy elders; understand the role community, family, and naturally healthy habits can play to improve our diet and health; and learn the exact foods--including the 50 superfoods of longevity and dozens of recipes adapted for Western tastes and markets--that offer delicious ways to eat your way to optimum health.

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Whether you're a first-time backpacker, an occasional weekend warrior, or a seasoned long-distance trekker, this guide is a must for any backpacking, hiking, or camping trip. Supreme long-distance hiker Andrew Skurka--accomplished adventure athlete, speaker, guide, and writer--shares his knowledge in this essential guide to backpacking gear and skills. Skurka recounts what he's learned from more than 30,000 miles of long-distance hikes, including the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide Trails, and the 4,700-mile Alaska-Yukon Expedition.

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Hundreds of oversized images of the world's most spectacular destinations are featured along with service information on the best and most authentic ways to experience them. A candy box full of visual delights, this book will inspire tangible ideas for everyone's next great trip. National Geographic takes you on a photographic tour of our world in this spellbinding new coffee table travel gift book. Hundreds of Earth's most breathtaking locales are illustrated with vivid, oversized full-color images taken by Nat Geo's world-class photographers. These images, coupled with evocative text, feature a plethora of visual wonders: ancient monoliths, scenic islands, stunning artwork, electric cityscapes, white-sand seashores, rain forests, ancient cobbled streets, and both classic and innovative architecture. Loaded with hard service information for each location, Destinations of a Lifetime has it all: when to go, where to eat, where to stay, and what to do to ensure the most enriching and authentic experience.

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Delve into amazingly intimate wolf photography by Jim and Jamie Dutcher, a couple who spent many years living with a pack of wolves at the edge of Idaho's Sawtooth Wilderness, observing their complex social hierarchy. Here is the alpha pair, leaders of the pack, often the only couple that mate. Here are the pups, born with eyes shut in the spring, tousled by their mother through the first six weeks of life. Here is the omega wolf, lowest ranking wolf in the pack, whose subservience, often playful, alleviates pack tension. Here are moments of cooperation and moments of snarling dominance, moments of communication and affection. Here, too, are heartwarming moments of connection between the Dutchers and the wolves, caught in pictures that remind us how close the links are between wolves in the wild and the beloved family dog. Short chapters introduce the wolves as individuals, describe the Dutchers' years of coming to know them, and address the complex conservation issues surrounding the near-extinction and now replenishment of the species in the wild. Sidebars explore myths about wolves, including Native American spirit stories, European fairy tales, and modern ranching hearsay.

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This beautifully illustrated guide from National Geographic reveals 500 of the best tent, cabin, glamping, and RV campgrounds—including opening dates, booking information, activity recommendations, and more—in all 50 states and Canada. Plan your next getaway to the great outdoors with this one-of-a-kind resource for campgrounds across North America. In this comprehensive sequel to the best-selling 50 States, 5,000 Ideas, you'll discover the top tent and cabin campsites, as well as RV resorts and glamping destinations around the United States and Canada. Along with destination information—location, contact info, open seasons, and amenities—along with expert recommendations for activities including hiking, biking, and water sports; the best restaurants for days you need a break from the camp stove; and nearby attractions—from sights within nearby national and state parks to local museums. Choose from 10 sites in each state, Western and Eastern Canada, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, including a cabin at Yogi Bear's Delaware Beaches Jellystone Park Camp Resort; a tent near the stunning waterfall at the Grand Canyon's Havasupai Campground; or a cozy yurt in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Whatever your camping bucket list includes, 50 States, 500 Campgrounds has the site for you.

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In this inspiring travelogue, celebrated traveler and photographer Jessica Nabongo—the first Black woman on record to visit all 195 countries in the world—shares her journey around the globe with fascinating stories of adventure, culture, travel musts, and human connections. It was a daunting task. But Jessica Nabongo, the beloved voice behind the popular website The Catch Me if You Can, made it happen, completing her journey to all 195 UN-recognized countries in the world in October 2019. Now, in this one-of-a-kind memoir, she reveals her top 100 destinations from her global adventure. Beautifully illustrated with Nabongo's own photography, the book documents her remarkable experiences in each country, including: A harrowing scooter accident in Nauru, the world’s least visited country, Seeing the life and community swarming around the Hazrat Ali Mazar mosque in Afghanistan, Horseback riding and learning to lasso with Black cowboys in Oklahoma, Playing dominoes with men on the streets of Havana, Learning to make traditional takoyaki (octopus balls) from locals in Japan, Dog sledding in Norway and swimming with humpback whales in Tonga, A late night adventure with strangers to cross a border in Guinea Bissau, And sunbathing on the sandy shores of Los Roques in Venezuela. Along with beloved destinations like Peru and South Africa, you'll also find tales from far-flung corners and seldom visited destinations, including Tuvalu, North Korea, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic. Nabongo's stories are love letters to diversity, beauty, and culture—and most of all, to the people she meets along the way. Throughout, she offers bucket-list experiences for other traveler-lovers looking to follow in her footsteps. For armchair travelers or readers planning a trip around the globe, this arresting collection will awe and inspire!

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The world's most beloved expert on la dolce vita takes readers along on the ultimate insider's tour of little-known gems, off-the-beaten path destinations, and one-of-a kind experiences across all 20 of Italy's iconic regions in this lavishly illustrated and gift-worthy guide. This lush guide, featuring more than 400 glorious photographs from National Geographic, showcases the best Italy has to offer from the perspective of two women who have spent their lives reveling in its unique joys. In these illuminating pages, Frances Mayes, the author of Under the Tuscan Sun and many other bestsellers, and New York Times travel writer Ondine Cohane reveal an Italy that only the locals know, filled with top destinations and unforgettable travel experiences in every region. From the colorful coastline of Cinque Terre and the quiet ports of the Aeolian Islands to the Renaissance architecture of Florence and the best pizza in Rome, every section features insider secrets and off-the-beaten-path recommendations--for example, a little restaurant in Piedmont known for its tajarin, a pasta made from 30 egg yolks that is the perfect bed for the region's celebrated truffles. Here are the best places to stay, eat, and tour, paired with the rich history of each city, hillside town, and unique terrain. Along the way, you'll make stops at the country's hidden gems--art galleries, local restaurants, little-known hiking trails, spas, and premier spots for R&R. Inspiring and utterly unique, this vivid treasury--each page a microcosm of this magical place--is a must-have for anyone who wants to experience the best of Italy.

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This beautifully illustrated companion to celebrated scientist Neil deGrasse Tyson's popular podcast and National Geographic Channel TV show is an eye-opening journey for anyone curious about the complexities of our universe. For decades, beloved astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson has interpreted science with a combination of brainpower and charm that resonates with fans everywhere. In 2009, he founded StarTalk, the wildly popular podcast that became an Emmy-nominated talk show on the National Geographic Channel. Tyson's pioneering, provocative book will take the greatest hits from the airwaves to the page in one smart, richly illustrated compendium. Featuring vivid photography, thought-provoking trivia, enlightening facts, and fun quotes from science and entertainment luminaries like Bill Nye and Dan Aykroyd, StarTalk reimagines science's most challenging topics--from how the brain works to the physics of comic book superheroes--in a relatable, humorous way that will delight fans and new readers alike.

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This comprehensive and beloved guide reveals the most ubiquitous and remarkable species of North American birds, clearly organized by family and paired with identification tips, behavior, vocal descriptions, and more. The new edition features a "Backyard Basics" section from the world's most prolific birdwatcher, Noah Strycker, with tips on attracting and feeding your favorite birds and creating bird-friendly landscapes. Also included are updated descriptions of 150 common North American species, paired with comprehensive range maps, as well as lush indentification artwork and bite-sized facts. With new contributions from Strycker and a modern redesign, the second edition of this perennial favorite will appeal to new and experienced bird enthusiasts alike.

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This gripping narrative explores today’s scientific pursuit of immortality, with exclusive visits inside Silicon Valley labs and interviews with the visionaries who believe we will soon crack the aging process and cure death. We live in an age when billionaires are betting their fortunes on laboratory advances to prove aging unnecessary and death a disease that can be cured. Researchers are delving into the mysteries of stem cells and the human genome, discovering what it means to grow old and how to keep those processes from happening. This isn’t science fiction; it’s real, it’s serious, and it’s on track to revolutionize our definitions of life and mortality. In Immortality, Inc., veteran science journalist Chip Walter gains exclusive access to the champions of this radical cause, delivering a book that brings together for the first time the visions of molecular biologist and Apple chairman Arthur Levinson, genomics entrepreneur Craig Venter, futurist Ray Kurzweil, rejuvenation trailblazer Aubrey de Grey, and stem cell expert Robert Hariri. Along the way, Walter weaves in fascinating conversations about life, death, aging, and the future of the human race.

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This riveting narrative explores the lives of six remarkable female pharaohs, from Hatshepsut to Cleopatra--women who ruled with real power--and shines a piercing light on our own perceptions of women in power today. Female rulers are a rare phenomenon--but thousands of years ago in ancient Egypt, women reigned supreme. Regularly, repeatedly, and with impunity, queens like Hatshepsut, Nefertiti, and Cleopatra controlled the totalitarian state as power-brokers and rulers. But throughout human history, women in positions of power were more often used as political pawns in a male-dominated society. What was so special about ancient Egypt that provided women this kind of access to the highest political office? What was it about these women that allowed them to transcend patriarchal obstacles? What did Egypt gain from its liberal reliance on female leadership, and could today's world learn from its example? Celebrated Egyptologist Kara Cooney delivers a fascinating tale of female power, exploring the reasons why it has seldom been allowed through the ages, and why we should care.

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The experts at America's Test Kitchen and National Geographic bring Italy's magnificent cuisine, culture, and landscapes--and 100 authentic regional recipes--right to your kitchen. Featuring 100 innovative, kitchen-tested recipes, 300 gorgeous color photographs, and 30 maps, this illustrated guide takes you on a captivating journey through the rich history of Italian cuisine, region by region. Rich excerpts feature the origins of celebrated cheeses, the nuances of different wine growing regions, the best farmer's markets in Venice, and more. Intriguing infographics illuminate key ingredients, from olive oil and how it's made to the various pasta shapes of Northern Italy. In every region, the food experts at America's Test Kitchen bring it all home, with foolproof recipes for standout dishes as well as hidden gems: Piedmontese braised beef in lustrous red wine sauce, crispy-custardy chickpea flour farinata pancakes from Genoa (achieved without the specialty pan and wood-burning oven), and hand-formed rustic malloreddus pasta of Sardinia that is a breeze to make.

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This exquisite photo collection showcases awe-inducing moments from around the world, including stunning sights such as the aurora borealis, cities made of neon lights, a great wildebeest migration, a contortionist on display--and more. In life, there are certain events that are as beautiful as they are unforgettable--from a majestic desert standstorm to the secrets of a deep blue ice cave to the world's largest library. These rarely seen moments shock us in their diversity, their complexity, and their epic scale, bringing us the miraculous beauty of our planet. Featuring more than 200 color images from acclaimed National Geographic photographers, this volume presents a dazzling array of natural wonders, unusual phenomena, and amusing curiosities. Each page will enlighten and inspire, presenting our world.

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In this eye-opening exposé, acclaimed health journalist and National Geographic contributor Maryn McKenna documents how antibiotics transformed chicken from local delicacy to industrial commodity—and human health threat—uncovering the ways we can make America's favorite meat safer again. What you eat matters—for your health, for the environment, and for future generations. In this riveting investigative narrative, McKenna dives deep into the world of modern agriculture by way of chicken: from the farm where it's raised directly to your dinner table. Consumed more than any other meat in the United States, chicken is emblematic of today's mass food-processing practices and their profound influence on our lives and health. Tracing its meteoric rise from scarce treat to ubiquitous global commodity, McKenna reveals the astounding role of antibiotics in industrial farming, documenting how and why "wonder drugs" revolutionized the way the world eats—and not necessarily for the better. Rich with scientific, historical, and cultural insights, this spellbinding cautionary tale shines a light on one of America's favorite foods—and shows us the way to safer, healthier eating for ourselves and our children. This book was previously published in hardcover with the title Big Chicken: The Incredible Story of How Antibiotics Created Modern Agriculture and Changed the Way the World Eats.

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In National Geographic's comprehensive and easy-to-use illustrated pet reference, a renowned veterinarian offers expert advice on common health, behavior, and training for dogs, cats, and other domestic pets. ​Combining first aid, medical reference, and tips and tricks of the trade, here is your go-to guide for at-home animal care, focusing on dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and more! Building on more than two decades of veterinary experience, Dr. Gary Weitzman covers topics including upset stomachs, house training, physical ailments, and behavior tips. The president and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society and former co-host of the weekly NPR show The Animal House, Dr. Gary brings a wealth of experience to essential veterinary questions, revealing basic first-aid techniques, when a trip to the vet is necessary, dietary recommendations, simple training techniques, necessary supplies, essential behavior cues, and much more.

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With enriching quotes from celebrated luminaries and striking National Geographic photography, each page of this moving book will inspire you to live with sincerity, compassion, and benevolence. Each month, you'll practice virtues like patience, respect, and generosity that will focus your mind and heart, creating fulfillment and contentment. Both inviting and motivating, Daily Kindness invites you to reflect on life's big and small moments, providing a way to embrace new ideas--and enrich your life every day of the year.

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This fun, lighthearted book is a great way to show Dad how much he means to you. Page after page of stunning animal photographs and heartwarming stories of fatherhood in the animal kingdom make this an affordable gift and loving gesture for every dad. Timed perfectly for Father's Day, this package is the best way to share words of gratitude and appreciation and express your love for the dad, grandpa, uncle, or stepfather in your life.

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Everybody talks about the weather but how many really understand it? This little book is a basic reference on storms, sky phenomena, global patterns of wind and pressure, weather forecasting techniques, interpreting cloud formations, and extreme weather safety. Each one of 140 featured topics includes a photograph paired with an explanatory illustration or graphic. Interesting facts and tips offer a quick guide to observing the weather, from rainbows and auroras to supercells and hurricanes.

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National Geographic's maps and atlases are critically acclaimed and world-renowned for their accuracy, originality, authoritative content, and clean design. Now, the most convenient package of this trusted map content has been completely updated in Compact Atlas of the World, Second Edition. Sized at 4 x 6 inches with a resilient soft cover, this atlas is designed for easy reference and convenient storage in a pocket, backpack, or desk. All maps are newly researched and updated. Other enhancements include a new physical world map reflecting the latest cartographic techniques, plus world and continental coverage of population, climate, land cover, fresh water, and natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis. Superb overall readability, engaging design, and navigational ease allow the reader to quickly retrieve information.

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Follow in the footsteps of much-loved authors, including Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, Mark Twain, Jack Kerouac, Jane Austen, and many more. For vacationers who crave meaningful trips and unusual locales, cue National Geographic's Novel Destinations--a guide for bibliophiles to more than 500 literary sites across the United States and Europe. Check into Hemingway's favorite hotel in Sun Valley, or stroll about Bath's Royal Crescent while entertaining fantasies of Lizzie Bennett and her Mr. Darcy. The book begins with thematic chapters covering author houses and museums, literary festivals and walking tours. Then, in-depth explorations of authors and places take readers roaming Franz Kafka's Prague, James Joyce's Dublin, Louisa May Alcott's New England, and other locales. Peppered with great reading suggestions and little-known tales of literary gossip, Novel Destinations is a unique travel guide, an attractive gift book, and the ultimate bibliophile's delight.

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It was a culinary journey like no other: Over the course of 195 weeks, food writer and blogger Sasha Martin set out to cook - and eat - a meal from every country in the world. As cooking unlocked the memories of her rough-and-tumble childhood and the loss and heartbreak that came with it, Martin became more determined than ever to find peace and elevate her life through the prism of food and world cultures. From the tiny, makeshift kitchen of her eccentric, creative mother to a string of foster homes to the house from which she launches her own cooking adventure, Martin's heartfelt, brutally honest memoir reveals the power of cooking to bond, to empower, and to heal - and celebrates the simple truth that happiness is created from within.

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Boasting a major cool factor, the latest entry in National Geographic's iconic line of large-format photography books reveals some of the world's most astounding phenomena - from the desert flower that only blooms once a year to a priceless Egyptian artifact buried for years in King Tut's tomb.It's all here: 30,000-year-old cave art sealed from the public; animals that are among the last of their species on Earth; volcanic lightning; giant crystals that have grown to more than 50 tons; the engraving inside Abraham Lincoln's pocket watch.

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In this astronomically spectacular, large-format photographic retrospective, National Geographic celebrates the impact of the Hubble Space Telescope in its 25th anniversary year. Highlighting the most eye-popping images, significant discoveries, and many ways that this telescope's visions have revolutionized our understanding of the universe, this book wil appeal to space aficionados and photography buffs alike. The Hubble Telescope has now gazed into deep space for 25 years, imaging galaxies, nebulas, and supernovas for a new picture of the universe and our place in it. In honor of its 25th anniversary, space historians David DeVorkin and Robert Smith team up again to tell the stories of 25 iconic moments in the illustrious telescope's career, illustrated with breathtaking, never-before-seen images. Here are the major challenges and triumphs, the key scientific findings, the brilliant scientists behind the scenes, and the public's love affair with a space telescope.

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Discover the best of Provence and explore its charming towns and cities, medieval abbeys, storybook castles, and Roman monuments. Follow this guided tour through its magical landscapes - fields of red poppies, fragrant lavender, olive trees, and sunflowers. The tour begins in Avignon, famed for its Palais des Papes, and moves into the surrounding countryside, including Orange and its Roman-era coliseum, and the charming hill towns of Gordes, Roussillon, and Bonnieux. On to the Bouches du Rhone, featuring Arles, van Gogh's old haunt; Les Baux and its troubadour-era remains; the Camargue, the marshy land of Provençal cowboys and flamingos; and chic and elegant Aix-en-Provence. After exploring revitalized Marseille, with its new museum, you are introduced to the Var, with its Mediterranean paradises of St. Tropez, Antibes, and the resort islands of Hyères, Porquerolles, and Port-Cros. Farther east awaits the fabled French Riviera, including the glittering towns of St. Tropez, Cannes, Nice, regal Monaco, and Menton, with its new Jean Cocteau museum. Finally, you discover Provence's more rugged side in Haute Provence, domain of the Gorges du Verdon.

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If you caught a glimpse of heaven, would you choose to come back to life? Investigative journalist Judy Bachrach has collected accounts of those who died and then returned to life with lucid, vivid memories of what occurred while they were dead, and the conclusions are astonishing. Clinical death—the moment when the heart stops beating and brain stem activity ceases—is not necessarily the end of consciousness, as a number of doctors are now beginning to concede. Hundreds of thousands of fascinating post-death experiences have been documented, and for many who have died and returned, life is forever changed. These days, an increasing number of scientific researchers are turning their studies to people who have experienced what the author calls death travels -- putting stock and credence in the sights, encounters, and exciting experiences reported by those who return from the dead. Through interviews with scores of these “death travelers,” and with physicians, nurses, and scientists unraveling the mysteries of the afterlife, Bachrach redefines the meaning of both life and death. Glimpsing Heaven reveals both the uncertainty and the surprising joys of life after death. From the Hardcover edition.

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For the first time, Monticello has an official guidebook that reflects the unique statesman and inventor Thomas Jefferson, his home, and his world. Created to showcase recent restoration of the home and plantation, it features new information about the slaves of Mulberry Row, and the state of the art visitor and education center. Each of the guide's 144 pages is designed to showcase the topics in its five chapters: Thomas Jefferson, Before Your Visit, The House, The Plantation, and the Neighborhood. A lively layout combines photographs, art and cutaways, maps, and short text blocks with floating number callouts, quotes, and sidebars featuring stories both iconic and little-known from Monticello's curators.

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See the best of Prague with this streamlined walking guide, complete with 12 step-by-step itineraries and maps, to help you explore the city like a pro and navigate like a local. Created in a handy, take-along format, this guide is written by a seasoned travel writer to help conjure the spirit of the place in elegant text enhanced by National Geographic's famous eye for good pictures. Including must-do neighborhood itineraries, insider tips on how to visit recommended sights, and indispensable information for the most enjoyable adventure imaginable, Walking Prague is full of information about the city and its people.

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