Search results for "the traveler’s atlas of the world"

In sumptuous and illuminating detail, Simon Winchester, the bestselling author of The Professor and the Madman ("Elegant and scrupulous"--New York Times Book Review) and Krakatoa ("A mesmerizing page-turner"--Time) brings to life the extraordinary story of Joseph Needham, the brilliant Cambridge scientist who unlocked the most closely held secrets of China, long the world's most technologically advanced country.No cloistered don, this tall, married Englishman was a freethinking intellectual, who practiced nudism and was devoted to a quirky brand of folk dancing. In 1937, while working as a biochemist at Cambridge University, he instantly fell in love with a visiting Chinese student, with whom he began a lifelong affair.He soon became fascinated with China, and his mistress swiftly persuaded the ever-enthusiastic Needham to travel to her home country, where he embarked on a series of extraordinary expeditions to the farthest frontiers of this ancient empire. He searched everywhere for evidence to bolster his conviction that the Chinese were responsible for hundreds of mankind's most familiar innovations--including printing, the compass, explosives, suspension bridges, even toilet paper--often centuries before the rest of the world. His thrilling and dangerous journeys, vividly recreated by Winchester, took him across war-torn China to far-flung outposts, consolidating his deep admiration for the Chinese people.After the war, Needham was determined to tell the world what he had discovered, and began writing his majestic Science and Civilisation in China, describing the country's long and astonishing history of invention and technology. By the time he died, he had produced, essentially single-handedly, seventeen immense volumes, marking him as the greatest one-man encyclopedist ever.Both epic and intimate, The Man Who Loved China tells the sweeping story of China through Needham's remarkable life. Here is an unforgettable tale of what makes men, nations, and, indeed, mankind itself great--related by one of the world's inimitable storytellers.

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"IRRESISTIBLE!"--The Boston GlobeSeconds before the Earth is demolished to make way for a galactic freeway, Arthur Dent is plucked off the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised edition of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy who, for the last fifteen years, has been posing as an out-of-work actor.Together this dynamic pair begin a journey through space aided by quotes from The Hitchhiker's Guide ("A towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have") and a galaxy-full of fellow travelers: Zaphod Beeblebrox--the two-headed, three-armed ex-hippie and totally out-to-lunch president of the galaxy; Trillian, Zaphod's girlfriend (formally Tricia McMillan), whom Arthur tried to pick up at a cocktail party once upon a time zone; Marvin, a paranoid, brilliant, and chronically depressed robot; Veet Voojagig, a former graduate student who is obsessed with the disappearance of all the ballpoint pens he bought over the years. Where are these pens? Why are we born? Why do we die? Why do we spend so much time between wearing digital watches? For all the answers stick your thumb to the stars. And don't forget to bring a towel!"[A] WHIMSICAL ODYSSEY...Characters frolic through the galaxy with infectious joy".--Publishers Weekly

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Get ready to blast off on an outer space adventure! Featuring stunning illustrations and engaging interactivity, this reference book will tap into 4-to-8-year-olds' curiosity about everything under the sun and beyond.This beautiful book is the latest addition to the National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book series. These colorful pages will introduce young children to the wonders of space, with out-of-this-world illustrations by David Aguilar and simple text that is perfect for beginning readers or for reading aloud. The book will explain basic concepts of space, beginning with what is most familiar to kids and expanding out into the universe. Chapters include: - Chapter 1 focuses on the Earth, moon, and sun. - Chapter 2 introduces kids to the other planets in our solar system. - Chapter 3 explains other objects in our solar system, such as dwarf planets, comets, and asteroid belts. - Chapter 4 voyages even farther afield, touching on concepts such as the universe, the Milky Way, stars, galaxies, and black holes. - The last chapter delves into space exploration: humans on the moon, spaceships, the International Space Station, etc.

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""Journal of a Three Years' Residence in Abyssinia: In Furtherance of the Objects of the Church Missionary Society"" is a book written by Samuel Gobat in 1834. The book is a detailed account of Gobat's experiences as a missionary in Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia) for three years. Gobat describes the geography, climate, and people of Abyssinia, as well as his interactions with the local tribes and rulers. He also provides insight into the religious practices and beliefs of the Abyssinian Orthodox Church, which he encountered during his mission work. The book is written in a diary format, with Gobat recording his daily experiences, observations, and thoughts. He shares the challenges he faced as a missionary in a foreign land, including language barriers and cultural differences. Overall, ""Journal of a Three Years' Residence in Abyssinia"" is a valuable historical document that provides a unique perspective on life in Abyssinia during the early 19th century. It is a must-read for anyone interested in African history, missionary work, or religious studies.To Which Is Added, A Brief History Of The Church In Abyssinia.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

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Letters From Italy And Switzerland (1863) is a collection of personal letters written by the renowned composer Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy during his travels through Italy and Switzerland in the 1830s. The book offers readers an intimate glimpse into Mendelssohn's experiences and impressions of the people, culture, and landscapes he encountered during his journey. The letters are written in a conversational tone and provide vivid descriptions of the sights and sounds of each location, as well as Mendelssohn's reactions to the art, architecture, and music he encountered. The book also includes sketches and drawings by Mendelssohn, adding a visual element to his descriptions. Overall, Letters From Italy And Switzerland offers a fascinating insight into the mind of one of the most celebrated composers of the 19th century and provides a unique perspective on the cultural and artistic landscape of Europe during this period.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

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A visit to a Japanese inn (Ryokan) or volcanic hot spring resort (Onsen) is an authentic "once-in-a-lifetime" dream experience for foreigners who visit Japan. Richly illustrated and exhaustively researched, Japanese Inns and Hot Springs is the work of ryokan expert Akihiko Seki and award-winning travel writer Rob Goss. Together they scoured Japan to find the country's finest ryokans, from historic properties like Hiiragiya in Kyoto and Kikkaso in Hakone to luxury retreats like Zaborin in Hokkaido and Tenku-no-Mori in Kyushu. Illustrated with hundreds of gorgeous photos, this volume covers: The 40 best Japanese ryokan and onsens for English-speaking visitors (including 13 in the Tokyo area and 11 in and around Kyoto and Nara) A description of the special features of each ryokan and what is included in your stay Tips on how to choose the right ryokan for you Practical advice on how to book a stay and a detailed etiquette guide Above all else this book reveals the enduring traditions of Japanese hospitality, a rich heritage reaching back a thousand years to the time when Japan's hot spring bathing culture took root. The beautiful properties in this book also illustrate the unique design sensibility for which Japan is so justly renowned. Indispensable tips on booking a Japanese ryokan that is right for you and reaching each property by train, bus and taxi are provided along with a detailed etiquette guide to staying at a ryokan and bathing in an onsen, as well as descriptions of the special features of each of the inns featured.

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Packed with incredible photos, tons of fun facts, activities, exclusive National Geographic Explorer interviews, and fascinating features about animals, science, nature, and more! Kids who want to know everything about everything need the National Geographic Kids Almanac! The latest edition of this internationally best-selling almanac features tons of UPDATED and NEW content, including new species discoveries, cutting-edge nature and space information, all-new games and jokes, and more! Practical reference material, including fast facts and maps of every country, has been fully updated. Homework help on key topics is sprinkled throughout the book. This is a must-have book for curious kids!

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Vogue: The Covers presents a visual archive spanning more than a century of the magazine's cover art, tracing the evolution of fashion, photography, and celebrity through the images that defined each era.This lavish, beautifully illustrated coffee table book includes five frameable Vogue cover prints that can be removed from the back of the book. Vogue: The Covers is a must-have for every fashion lover and collector.Featuring both classic covers from the magazine's 125-year history and selections from the modern era, the book is organized chronologically by decade, moving from early illustrated covers to contemporary photography and reflecting shifts in style, culture, and media over time. Unforgettable recent covers include celebrated figures such as Michelle Obama, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, and Lena Dunham.For readers and collectors alike, it offers not just a showcase of iconic imagery but a visual record of how Vogue's covers have mirrored changing tastes and trends across generations.From Gallery Met founder and author Dodie Kazanjian, Vogue: The Covers is designed for gifting, sharing, and display.

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Compendium - Revised EditionFor all chrono fans, collectors and watch enthusiasts there is now the brilliant and completely revised new edition "The Watch Book Compendium". The comprehensive coffee-table book replaces the earlier "The Watch Book Compendium" and combines "The Watch Book I" and "The Watch Book II". As usual, the successful author Gisbert L. Brunner shines with his extensive expertise and brings his readers closer to the history of the wristwatch with more than 1,000 high-resolution photographs. With over 40 pieces, hardly any other illustrated book gathers more premium watch brands under one roof.The predecessors of "The Watch Book Compendium - Revised Editon" have long been considered standard works among experts. Because no other photo book depicts more of the noble timepieces. The author shows the luxury timepieces not only in a frontal and side view, as many catalogs have to offer. The reader often gets a direct look at the sophisticated mechanics of these small masterpieces of extraordinary craftsmanship. There is no more beautiful and artistic way to present accomplished technology. Gisbert L. Brunner invites his interested reader on a journey through time in the world of the watch. Beginning with the earliest beginnings of the art of watchmaking, we accompany him piece by piece into the modern age. Because even today, premium watches are a sign of style, taste and status symbol. The presentation of the precious materials, the beautiful designs and the insight into the sophisticated technology, enchants real watch fans and makes "The Watch Book Compendium - Revised Edition" a perfect gift.

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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - The harrowing story of one of the great feats of exploration of all time and its complicated legacy--from the New York Times bestselling author of The River of Doubt and Destiny of the Republic A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: THE WASHINGTON POST - GOODREADS "A lean, fast-paced account of the almost absurdly dangerous quest by [Richard Burton and John Speke] to solve the geographic riddle of their era." --The New York Times Book ReviewFor millennia the location of the Nile River's headwaters was shrouded in mystery. In the 19th century, there was a frenzy of interest in ancient Egypt. At the same time, European powers sent off waves of explorations intended to map the unknown corners of the globe - and extend their colonial empires. Richard Burton and John Hanning Speke were sent by the Royal Geographical Society to claim the prize for England. Burton spoke twenty-nine languages, and was a decorated soldier. He was also mercurial, subtle, and an iconoclastic atheist. Speke was a young aristocrat and Army officer determined to make his mark, passionate about hunting, Burton's opposite in temperament and beliefs. From the start the two men clashed. They would endure tremendous hardships, illness, and constant setbacks. Two years in, deep in the African interior, Burton became too sick to press on, but Speke did, and claimed he found the source in a great lake that he christened Lake Victoria. When they returned to England, Speke rushed to take credit, disparaging Burton. Burton disputed his claim, and Speke launched another expedition to Africa to prove it. The two became venomous enemies, with the public siding with the more charismatic Burton, to Speke's great envy. The day before they were to publicly debate, Speke shot himself. Yet there was a third man on both expeditions, his name obscured by imperial annals, whose exploits were even more extraordinary. This was Sidi Mubarak Bombay, who was enslaved and shipped from his home village in East Africa to India. When the man who purchased him died, he made his way into the local Sultan's army, and eventually traveled back to Africa, where he used his resourcefulness, linguistic prowess and raw courage to forge a living as a guide. Without Bombay and men like him, who led, carried, and protected the expedition, neither Englishman would have come close to the headwaters of the Nile, or perhaps even survived. In River of the Gods Candice Millard has written another peerless story of courage and adventure, set against the backdrop of the race to exploit Africa by the colonial powers.

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Sometimes the truth is found in a folktale.1932. Cumberland Island off the coast of Southern Georgia is a strange place to encounter the opulence of the Gilded Age, but the last vestiges of the famed philanthropic Carnegie family still take up brief seasonal residence in their grand mansions there. This year's party at Plum Orchard is a lively group: young men from some of America's finest families who come to experience the area's hunting beside a local guide, a beautiful debutante expecting to be engaged by the week's end, and a promising female artist who believes she has meaningful ties to her wealthy hosts. But when temptations arise and passions flare, an evening of revelry and storytelling goes horribly awry. Lives are both lost and ruined.1959. Reclusive painter Cleo Woodbine has lived alone for decades on Kingdom Come, a tiny strip of land once occupied by the servants for the great houses on nearby Cumberland. When she is visited by the man who saved her life nearly thirty years earlier, a tempest is unleashed as the stories of the past gather and begin to regain their strength. Frances Flood is a folklorist come to Cumberland Island seeking the source of a legend--and also information about her mother, who was among the guests at a long-ago hunting party. Audrey Howell, briefly a newlywed and now newly widowed, is running a local inn. When she develops an eerie double exposure photograph, some believe she's raised a ghost--someone who hasn't been seen since that fateful night in 1932.Southern mythology and personal reckoning collide in this sweeping story inspired by the little-known history of Cumberland Island when a once-in-a-century storm threatens the natural landscape. Faced with a changing world, two timelines and the perspectives of three women intersect where a folktale meets the truth to reveal what Cumberland Island has hidden all along. Historical women's fiction Stand-alone novel Book length: approximately 120,000 words Includes discussion questions for book clubs

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From towering twisters and bone-chilling blizzards to pillowy white clouds and warm gentle breezes, this book from National Geographic Kids plunges into Earth's wild and wondrous weather--and includes loads of weird but true facts! What's the difference between a hurricane, cyclone, and typhoon? What really makes all those magnificent colors of the rainbow? How can one side of a mountain be bone dry and the other lush with life? This latest installment in the hit Weird But True! Know-It-All series uncovers the mysteries of our planet's weather and how it impacts our daily life, from simple things like what to wear to how to avoid deadly disasters. Ride along with intrepid storm chasers, see why lightning forms over volcanoes, pick up brr-illiant facts about Earth's coldest places, and marvel over incredible survival stories, including one about a man who was carried more than 1,300 feet through the air by a terrifying tornado--and lived to tell the tale. Plus, find out what high-tech gadgets and cutting-edge techniques scientists are using today to help predict the weather better in the future--and potentially save lives. Jam-packed with photos, illustrations, and loads of surprising facts and stats, the Weird But True! Know-It-All series is the anything-but-boring way to boost your brain! Complete your collection with: Weird But True! Know-It-All Ancient Egypt Weird But True! Know-It-All Greek Mythology Weird But True! Know-It-All Middle Ages Weird But True! Know-It-All Rocks and Minerals Weird But True! Know-It-All U.S. Government Weird But True! Know-It-All U.S. Presidents

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