Discover our collection of general products. Browse through books category.
He named his firm ‘Nendo’, the Japanese word for modelling clay; he uses manga-like sketches to illustrate his design concepts; and he creates some of the most imaginative furniture in the world: he is Oki Sato, one of Japan’s most prolific designers. At any given moment, he has hundreds of projects in the works – architecture, interiors, furniture, tableware, and more. ‘There is nothing I would not design,’ says Sato. Sato renders his designs with remarkable conceptual clarity. At the outset, he allows his imagination to run wild and then documents his idea with a simple black line drawing – be it a bathroom basin defined by a single, ceramic swirl or a pair of wooden chopsticks that twist together to become one. These 2D images are converted into minimal 3D shapes described with clean outlines and a largely monochrome palette. Like a traditional Japanese ink painting, which constructs an image with just a few brush strokes, Sato extracts the unnecessary and eliminates distraction. Featuring Sato’s original sketches, full-scale product images and explanatory texts, nendo uncovers and unpicks the designer’s unique creative process, guiding the reader step-by-step through his innovative and playful world to reveal the secrets behind fifty of his inimitable works.
Immerse yourself in stories and pictures of these useful plants, from herb gardens to remote wildernesses. Herbs have been used by humans throughout history - for cooking, medicine, rituals, and more. They are also a huge part of the modern world, from gardening, food, and cosmetics to medicines fighting diseases such as malaria. With vibrant illustrations and expert knowledge, The Herb Book takes a close-up look at a wide range of herbs from around the world, showcasing their botanical characteristics, medicinal, cosmetic, and culinary properties and uses, and cultural impact on the lives of humans. Dive deep into the pages of this horticultural handbook to discover: - Detailed original photography combines with historical and contemporary images to create a compelling visual mix. - Provides a global view of herbs and their culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic uses around the world. - Contains in-depth coverage of over 80 herb species. - Continues the warm visual aesthetic of The Tree Book Featuring key scientific facts along with historical and mythological stories, this book provides a rich blend of information on these extraordinary plants and their role in our world. Proving a must-have volume for gardeners, horticulturalists, and amateur herbalists alike, as well as anyone interested in natural remedies, cookes and foodies too!
This landmark photographic encyclopedia of the animal kingdom is revised with new species, images, and the latest scientific knowledge on all things animal!DK's Animal features stunning wildlife photography of more than 2,000 of the world's most important wild mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and other invertebrates, written by 70 natural history specialists. Each animal species comes with a description, photo, distribution map, and statistics, including its conservation status. Whilst also explaining animal biology in beautiful visual detail, Animal contains a chapter of portraits of the different types of environment that animals inhabit. For anyone who wants a reliable and enthralling reference, in which you can find the answers to everything - from why zebras are striped to how the sunbear got its name - this awe-inspiring animal book is your go-to guide!Step inside the pages of this amazing animal - A visual catalogue containing descriptions of over 2,000 animal species, with distribution maps and striking photos.- Each catalogue is organised into taxa (the groups of related species that scientists use to classify animals). Each taxon has an introduction explaining which animals belong to the group and what they have in common.- Researched, written, and authenticated by a team of over 70 zoologists and naturalists from around the globe.- Introductory chapter describes animal biology in beautiful visual detail.- Habitats chapter provides visual portraits of the different types of environment that animals inhabit.A must-have volume for animal lovers of all ages, whether you're a habitual viewer of wildlife documentaries, or an enthusiastic visitor of zoos and safari parks, Animal has something for everyone to explore and love, and is sure to delight!
Capture the delicate beauty of the great outdoors with this enchanting collection of stickers. Page after page of this book is packed with beautiful vintage drawings of creatures that soar, flutter, and glide. Get creative! Adorn your personal items with more than a thousand bird- and insect-themed stickers, create gorgeous artwork and stationery, or simply enjoy this book as an exquisite keepsake.
Delve into the fascinating world of birds through astonishing photography and clear explanations, in this absorbing global guide Birds are dinosaurs, with a history going back millions of years. Our fascination with them runs deep in history and our close association is reflected in creation stories, myths, legends, songs, and children's stories. This book explores both the natural history of birds and that deep cultural connection. From their evolution and anatomy to their behaviour and diversity, spanning tiny dunnocks hiding in bushes to ostriches strong enough to knock out a lion. Articles cover a group, such as hawks, finches, swans, or birds of paradise, moving the focus away from a predictable species-by-species account and allowing for truly global coverage. Discover the bold nature of European Robins and why they are associated with Christmas; the mythical Phoenix, which rises from the ashes; and learn about eagles, from their hunting prowess to the myriad stories and symbolism associated with them. Packed with information, and beautiful photography and illustrations, The Bird Book is a must-have for nature enthusiasts.
Explore Earth's natural treasures, from their primeval origins to traditional uses and modern-day appeal with this illustrated guide to rocks, minerals, crystals, gems and more! Featuring sparkling crystals, vibrant gemstones, and other precious materials often prized for their beauty, such as amber, coral, and fossils, this illustrated guide is sure to captivate every rockhound and budding gemmologist. Learn how to identify more than 450 rock and mineral specimens through beautiful photographs and key characteristics. Discover more about rocks and minerals through folklore and historical artefacts, and find out the fascinating stories behind some of the amazing natural treasures, including the Hope Diamond and the Great Mogul emerald. Plus there is information on polishing and displaying your finds to further equip you with all the knowledge needed to become a rock and mineral collector. Dive deep into this riveting book on rocks and minerals to further discover: - Comprehensive coverage of more than 450 specimens of rocks, minerals, crystals, gems and fossils. - Expert text and high-quality images combine to make this an indispensable reference tool for every rockhound and budding gemmologist. - Detailed reference panels provide key at-a-glance information for identifying specimens. - Feature panels on folklore, historical artefacts, and famous gems tell the fascinating stories of rocks and minerals. - Includes information on collecting and showing rocks and minerals Practical advice on cutting, polishing, and displaying your finds further equips you with all the knowledge needed to delve into the arena of rock and mineral collecting.
A beautifully illustrated newly revised guide to the underwater world of the Earth's oceans. Introducing the most comprehensive, visual, and accessible ocean encyclopedia available on the market! Ocean is illustrated with a blend of beautiful and informative artworks, maps, and photography, it is a broad-ranging, in-depth guide to both physical oceanography and marine life. Thoroughly updated to include the latest research on ocean science and profiles of newly discovered species, Ocean remains an indispensable, all-encompassing visual guide to the marine world. Dive deep into the depths of these pages as you explore: -Unique illustrated directory sections spotlight important sites and species -Double-page feature spreads explore interaction between people and the environment -16-page picture essay and 13 double-page images showcase the best in ocean photography -Covers physical oceanography, marine biology, and the impact humans are having on the oceans -Reliable reference thoroughly authenticated by the American Museum of Natural History A comprehensive introduction explains important principles and processes, from the geology of the seafloor to the chemistry of seawater. The next two chapters look at key environments - from the seashore out to the open ocean - and the main groups of ocean life. The final chapter is a detailed, 60-page atlas of the world's oceans and seas, illustrated with maps compiled from satellite measurements of the ocean floor! More than 285,000 copies have been sold since publication of the first edition in 2006, but now thoroughly updated to include the latest research on ocean science and profiles of newly discovered species, Ocean remains an indispensable, all-encompassing visual guide to the marine world. A must-have volume for readers aged 14+, whether students looking for an introduction to the scientific study of the oceans, or schools and colleges looking for a library purchase to support students of geography and Earth sciences. Doubling up as a perfect gift purchase for the ocean lover in your life, this reliable reference book can be enjoyed by the entire family!
Explore and understand the natural and human wonders of our planet Now in its third edition, this landmark encyclopedia both celebrates our planet and explains the science underpinning the forces and processes that have made and shaped it. Artworks, photographs, terrain models, and maps are used in combination to capture the beauty and power of landscapes and natural events and to show their hidden sides, explaining for example how an earthquake is triggered and how burning fossil fuels is driving a climate emergency. Directory sections placed throughout the book provide systematic and in-depth reference guides to core scientific information, such as more than 100 types of rocks and minerals. Similar sections contain visual profiles of some of the undisputed wonders of the natural world, from the Andes and Himalayas to the Grand Canyon, Sahara Desert, and Amazon Rainforest. Thoroughly revised and updated to include new and spectacular landscape photography and capture the latest developments in fast-changing areas of geology and Earth science - including Earth history, climate change, and urban geography - this is an indispensable visual reference book for anyone who wants to understand how our planet works.
Celebrates and explains the astonishing range of habitats on Earth and the intricate balance of their animal and plant communitiesThis book is a beautiful visual reference to the world’s natural habitats and the plants and animals that live there . It explores global habitat types, including desert, Arctic tundra, and tropical forest – and distinctive regional habitats, such as the windswept puna grasslands of the Andes or the dripping, fern-clad rainforests of New Zealand. Packed with fascinating illustrations, the book analyzes how each habitat works and examines its unique combination of plants and animals, along with the features that suit them to live there. It then goes deeper, telling stories about how the inhabitants relate to one another and interact. Stories are told using images and graphics, showing what is going on in the natural ecosystem. The stories include survival strategies and life cycles, how pollinators fertilize plants, and how animals distribute the seeds, how similar species divide up food or living space to avoid competition, and how some species cooperate in intimate partnerships.Earth’s pristine wildernesses are dwindling, so the book includes national parks, wildlife reserves, and other protected areas, and the conservation efforts needed to preserve our precious biological diversity.
A beautiful guide to Earth's wildlife and natural history, including its rocks, minerals, animals, plants, fungi, microorganisms and more! Introducing The Natural History Book - a complete guide to the nature and wildlife of our world and written by a worldwide team of natural history experts. In the 11 years since the book was originally 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, The Natural History Book has since been updated to include dynamic discoveries such as the olinguito (the "kitty bear" of the Andean cloud forest), and a new species of deep-sea Bolosoma glass sponge photographed by the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, alongside a reorganization of the groups of living things to reflect the latest scientific understanding. Explore each and every page of this stunning nature book to discover: - A full-colour gallery of over 5,000 species - Over 500 rocks, minerals and fossils featured throughout - Includes glossary of important natural history terms - Specially-commissioned photographs showcase wildlife in close-up detail This treasure-trove of natural history is accompanied with easy-to-read, accessible information and beautifully-striking imagery, making it a riveting reference guide to pass down for generations to come. The only book to offer a complete visual survey of all kingdoms of life, this nature book for adults is the perfect addition to every family bookshelf, as well as an ideal gift for the nature, animal and plant lover in your life! Gardeners, hikers, and visitors to wildlife park and natural history museums alike would also love this niche nature book, which also doubles up as the perfect coffee table book. Split into 6 core chapters, covering Living Earth, Minerals, Rocks and Fossils, Microscopic Life, Plants, Fungi, and Animals - there truly is something for everyone to explore, love and learn. From granites to grape vines, from microbes to mammals, The Natural History Book is the ultimate celebration of the diversity of the natural world.
Chris Thorogood’s celebration of the diversity of wildflowers begins with an exploration of their evolution, from mosses some 470 million years ago to the proliferation of flowering species that now inhabit most of the earth’s environments. Accessible yet rich with scientific information and fact, his well-illustrated volume covers topics including pollination, classification and identification as well as the challenges plants face and their role in medicine and culture.
Discover brain training activities, scientific revelations, and tips to help unlock your mind's potential! Packed with cognitive exercises, logic puzzles and mind maps, this brain activity book offers a balanced, clear, colourful and practical guide to keeping your brain fit. Inside the pages of this scientifically based brain fitness programme, you'll find: - Clear visual explanations on how the brain works, how it recalls memories, and how and why it forgets - Practical advice on how to monitor and maintain a healthy brain function - Step-by-step mental exercises and activities to help train your brain - from sudoku to learning a language Packed with expert advice, brain tests, and a range of exercises to stimulate your memory and mental agility, The Brain Fitness Book will equip you with everything you need to keep your brain working to its maximum potential. It includes puzzles, sensory exercises and step-by-step introductions to activities from playing the guitar to beginning yoga and tai chi. Discover how to achieve a brain-healthy lifestyle! This empowering guide highlights the role of quality sleep, a healthy diet and physical exercise to help you look after both your physical and mental well-being. Our mental fitness is just as crucial as our body's, with regular training your brain helps you to be less prone to age-related decline, as well as conquering stress, anxiety, and the risk of depression. The Brain Fitness Book is the perfect gift or purchase for anyone interested in maintaining mental health and cognition.