Ever looked at the sky and wondered what all is out there in the universe? How did the solar system come into being? What are constellations? How did we reach the Moon? This encyclopedia on space will answer these and more hows and whys for you. Learning is made simpler with well-labelled diagrams and an extensive glossary of difficult words. Bonus: the engrossing book comes loaded with Isn’t It Amazing―a section of fun facts to keep you glued for more. This encyclopedia is a must-read for all children! It is well-researched and has child-friendly content The various topics improve knowledge about the world around us and beyondThe content will cater to curious minds and expand their horizon The book comprises a glossary of new and difficult termsIt is an excellent selection for gifting and school libraries Read more

The definitive guide to more than 275 heroes, villains, aliens, and droids of the Star Wars galaxy. The latest edition of this beloved title has been comprehensively updated to include new characters from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and both seasons of Star Wars: The Mandalorian. Want to learn more about the Knights of Ren? Curious as to where Padmé Amidala is from? Wonder how tall Grogu is? To learn the answers to these questions and more, look no further than Star Wars: Character Encyclopedia Updated and Expanded Edition. Written by Star Wars experts, the book is full of fun facts and intriguing information that's guaranteed to enthrall fans of all ages. With plenty of lesser-known details, even die-hard fans will learn new facts about iconic characters. © & ™ 2021 Lucasfilm Ltd. Read more

How were world-famous structures like the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben built? What do the enigmatic Renaissance motifs mean? When did Leonardo da Vinci paint his masterpieces? This encyclopedia on art and architecture will answer these and more hows and whats for you. Learning is made simpler with well-labelled images and an extensive glossary of difficult terms. Bonus: the engrossing book comes loaded with Isn’t It Amazing―a section of fun facts to keep you glued for more. This encyclopedia is a must-read for all children! It is well-researched and has child-friendly content The various topics improve knowledge about the world around us and beyond The content will cater to curious minds and expand their horizon The book comprises a glossary of new and difficult terms It is an excellent selection for gifting and school libraries Read more

Explore the worlds of a galaxy far, far away with incredible cross-sections.With more than 60 intricate full-colour artworks and 3D maps, explore iconic locations that bring the Star Wars saga to life. This updated edition has been comprehensively updated and includes incredible cross-sections from Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Star Wars: Andor.Uncover the unspeakable secrets of Darth Vader’s castle. Explore the ancient Jedi ruins on Ahch-To. Discover the unmatched opulence of Canto Bight and the brutal efficiency of the Narkina 5 prison complex.This comprehensive book makes the perfect gift for any Star Wars fan. Readers will spend hours studying the fascinating artworks to gain new insights into iconic locations from their favourite saga.© & TM 2024 LUCASFILM LTD. Read more

A history of the dark times"So this is how liberty dies―with thunderous applause."-Senator Padmé AmidalaWhen Palpatine declared the birth of his new Empire, he expected it would stand for millennia. Instead, it lasted only 24 years. This is the story of how a tyrannical regime rose from the ashes of democracy, ruled the galaxy with an iron fist, and then collapsed into dust.It is a story of war and heroes, of the power of propaganda and the dangers of complacency. But most of all, it is a story of normal people trying to live their lives in the face of a brutal dictatorship.From the ruthlessness of Darth Vader's campaigns to the horrors of the Tarkin Initiative, this book offers fresh new insights into the dark entity at the core of Star Wars.© AND ™ 2024 LUCASFILM LTD. Read more

A compact guide to everything bonsai.The Japanese and Chinese have been creating bonsai trees for centuries and it is now an internationally popular pastime. This compact and stylish guide will provide everything you need to know to grow bonsai successfully, including shaping with wires, watering, seasonal maintenance, tackling common ailments, choosing the right container, feeding and repotting. A directory of over 90 of the most popular species, illustrated with beautiful photographs, will enable you to find the tree that is right for you. Read more

A charming, gorgeously illustrated botanical encyclopedia for your favorite romantic, local witch, bride-to-be, or green-thumbed friend.Floriography is a full-color guide to the historical uses and secret meanings behind an impressive array of flowers and herbs. The book explores the coded significances associated with various blooms, from flowers for a lover to flowers for an enemy.The language of flowers was historically used as a means of secret communication. It soared in popularity during the 19th century, especially in Victorian England and the U.S., when proper etiquette discouraged open displays of emotion. Mysterious and playful, the language of flowers has roots in everything from the characteristics of the plant to its presence in folklore and history. Researched and illustrated by popular artist Jessica Roux, this book makes a stunning display piece, conversation-starter, or thoughtful gift. Read more

A brilliant modern translation by Christine Donougher of Victor Hugo's thrilling masterpiece, with an introduction by Robert Tombs. This is the best translation of the novel available in English, as recommended by David Bellos in The Novel of the Century. Victor Hugo's tale of injustice, heroism and love follows the fortunes of Jean Valjean, an escaped convict determined to put his criminal past behind him. But his attempts to become a respected member of the community are constantly put under threat: by his own conscience, and by the relentless investigations of the dogged policeman Javert. It is not simply for himself that Valjean must stay free, however, for he has sworn to protect the baby daughter of Fantine, driven to prostitution by poverty. 'A magnificent achievement. It reads easily, sometimes racily, and Hugo's narrative power is never let down ... An almost flawless translation, which brings the full flavour of one of the greatest novels of the nineteenth century to new readers in the twenty-first' - William Doyle, Times Literary Supplement 'The year's most interesting publication from Penguin Classics was [...] a new translation by Christine Donougher of the novel we all know as Les Misérables. You may think that 1,300 pages is a huge investment of time when the story is so familiar, but no adaptation can convey the addictive pleasure afforded by Victor Hugo's narrative voice: by turns chatty, crotchety, buoyant and savagely ironical, it's made to seem so contemporary and fresh in Donougher's rendering that the book has all the resonance of the most topical state-of-the-nation novel' - Telegraph 'Christine Donougher's seamless and very modern translation of Les Misérables has an astonishing effect in that it reminds readers that Hugo was going further than any Dickensian lament about social conditions [...]The Wretched touches the soul' - Herald Scotland Read more

Find inspiration for your next tattoo in this awesome collection of simple line designs!Getting a new tattoo can be a big decision, and choosing the right design is not always easy. This curated selection of over 1000 simple line tattoos can help you find the perfect pattern for your next ink masterpiece.Over 1000 unique designs (no duplicates)Great gift idea for anyone who loves tattoosIdeal for tattoo studios to help inspire clients Read more

Who's your favourite character from the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Whether you like Super Heroes or villains, the movies or TV series, learn all about them in this updated edition! Now including more than 200 characters from Black Panther and Ms. Marvel to Iron Man and Shang-Chi. The Marvel Studios Character Encyclopedia Updated Edition is any young fan's go-to guide to find out all about the heroes, villains, spies, school kids, scientists, aliens, inventors, and others in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Discover their strengths, super-powers, friends, allies, weapons, epic battles, and much more.Dive into the action with 90 new pages covering characters from recent movies and Disney+ series, including Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings, Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness, Black Widow, Thor: Love and Thunder, Ms. Marvel, WandaVision, Loki, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, Hawkeye, Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania, and Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3.© 2024 MARVEL Read more

This beautiful art encyclopedia charts the evolution of the greatest cultural achievements in painting, sculpture, and photography.The greatest art exhibition at your fingertips! Packed with fascinating facts, clear explanations, and stunning photography, this awe-inspiring art encyclopedia for kids aged 9-12 years takes you on a magical tour through time exploring every artistic style and movement in stunning detail. From Leonardo da Vinci's iconic Mona Lisa to Vincent van Gogh's spectacular The Starry Night, this art history book celebrates the lives of groundbreaking artists and their most famous art masterpieces.Get to grips with world-famous sculptures, such as the ancient Chinese Terracotta Army and Henry Moore's beautiful bronze casts. Then find out about photography, from the development of the camera to pioneering photographers such as Johannes Vermeer and Julia Margaret Cameron. Designed for both parent and children to enjoy together, this bestselling book on art history is guaranteed to encourage a love of art through the generations.Celebrate your child's creativity as they explore:- "Artist profiles" explore the lives & major works of key painters, sculptors, photographers, musicians, & dancers.- Our "Closer look" pages delve deeper into a work of art, highlighting technique, detail, and symbols.- Stunning double-page spreads feature important works of art in full colour.- Striking visual artworks and photographs are all clearly explained and annotated.- Easily accessible & age-appropriate text covers key curriculum topics - Number 1 Best Seller in Children's Books on Art History From ancient cave paintings to modern-day street art, this gorgeously illustrated art book for children traces the development of painting, sculpture, and photography through the ages. It's the ultimate introduction to the world of art for kids! A must-have volume for children curious about the arts, as well as parents, carers and educators seeking an accessible and visually-engaging encyclopedia for children all about art history. Read more

Travel back in time to the prehistoric world of the dinosaurs, brought to life in spectacular detail.Revisit the spectacle of the incredible new series of BBC One’s Walking With Dinosaurs in this richly detailed look into the distant past. With the latest up-to-date facts, interviews with leading dinosaur hunters and insights from the TV series, this is the ultimate prehistoric book that every dinosaur enthusiast needs to own.Delve deeper into the dramatic stories of dinosaurs whose remains are currently being unearthed on dig sites all over the world. With stunning imagery and the latest scientific discoveries, these primordial giants are waiting to be uncovered by your own very hands.A cutting-edge dinosaur book for a new generationBeautiful imagery and expert insights: Uncover the latest information as told by professional dinosaur hunters and palaeontologists, which unfolds in the TV series’ signature narrative format and is accompanied by gorgeous imagery.Step into the breathtaking prehistoric world: Wade through prehistoric swamps, roam sprawling plains and discover primordial forests full of ancient life – home to some of our planet’s largest and most fascinating inhabitants.More than a companion book: Go beyond the Walking With Dinosaurs TV show by uncovering the backstories of each featured dinosaur, as told by the experts who brought the series to life.Walking With Dinosaurs’ first appearance in 1999 was the UK’s most-watched science program in the 20th century. Now 26 years later, it’s back – alongside this gorgeous book which continues the journey even beyond the documentary series.The hidden clues of the past have been painstakingly pieced together and compiled in this brilliant volume that dinosaur enthusiasts and natural history buffs will not want to miss. Read more

Explore the epic Star Wars saga through incredible cross-sectionsMore than 100 magnificent artworks bring the vehicles of Star Wars to life. New cross-sections, amazing detail, and comprehensive text make this the ultimate reference to the craft of a galaxy far, far away.... SEE- Poe Dameron's X-wing in action- The terrifying power of Darth Vader's TIE Advanced x1- Obi-Wan Kenobi's fast and agile Jedi starfighterDISCOVER- The inner workings of Rey's speeder - The advanced technology of the Rebel Alliance's U-wing - The devastating weaponry of the Death StarEXPLORE - The famous corridors of the Millennium Falcon- The brutal design of the Knights of Ren's Night Buzzard - The mighty and fearsome Final Order Star DestroyerPerfect for Star Wars fans of all ages, the Star Wars Complete Vehicles revised and updated edition for 2020 brings vehicles spanning the complete Star Wars saga to life. Including technical read-outs, information for weapons, crew, manufacturer and more this Star Wars book is the ideal gift for both adults and children. © & ™ 2020 Lucasfilm Ltd Read more

'A rare and astonishing book, a glimpse of a deeply secretive world that has taken the author a lifetime to penetrate. It reveals more graphically than any Gulag history the unreformed horror of Russia: the lack of law, the rule of violence, the brutality, anti-Semitism and xenophobia. And yet it is filled with a poignance and a sense of personal tragedy that brought tears to my eyes.' - The Telegraph The photographs, drawings and texts published in this book are part of a collection of more than 3,000 tattoos accumulated over a lifetime by prison attendant Danzig Baldaev. Tattoos were his gateway into a secret world in which he acted as ethnographer, recording the rituals of a closed society. The icons and tribal languages he documented are artful, distasteful, sexually explicit and sometimes just strange, reflecting as they do the lives and traditions of Russian convicts. Skulls, swastikas, harems of naked women, a smiling Al Capone, medieval knights in armour, daggers sheathed in blood, benign images of Christ, sweet-faced mothers and their babies, armies of tanks, and a horned Lenin - these are the signs by which the people of this hidden world mark and identify themselves. Read more

This deluxe edition of David Day's hugely popular A Dictionary of Tolkien is a handsome hardback with an embossed and foiled cover, gilt edges and ribbon marker. Published in a larger format, this edition features some all-new artwork in full colour alongside the familiar illustrations, sketches and paintings from a host of brilliant artists.Arranged in a handy A-Z format, A Dictionary of Tolkien explores and explains the creatures, plants, events and places that make up these strange and spellbinding lands.Packed with stunning artwork, it is essential reading for anyone who loves Tolkien's works, Tolkien's world and the imaginative brilliance his vision inspired.It is the perfect companion to A Dictionary of Tolkien, and the perfect gift for fans of Tolkien's world.Also available in the series: An Atlas of Tolkien.This book has not been prepared, authorized, licensed or endorsed by J. R. R. Tolkien's heirs or estate, nor by any of the publishers or distributors of the book The Lord of the Rings or any other work written by J. R. R. Tolkien, nor anyone involved in the creation, production or distribution of the films based on the book. Read more

Drawing is not a talent. It’s a skill anyone can learn. This is the philosophy of drawing instructor Brent Eviston based on his more than twenty years of teaching. He has tested numerous types of drawing instruction from centuries old classical techniques to contemporary practices and designed an approach that combines tried and true techniques with innovative methods of his own. Now, he shares his secrets with this book that provides the most accessible, streamlined, and effective methods for learning to draw. Taking the reader through the entire process, beginning with the most basic skills to more advanced such as volumetric drawing, shading, and figure sketching, this book contains numerous projects and guidance on what and how to practice. It also features instructional images and diagrams as well as finished drawings that showcase Brent’s creative work. With this book and a dedication to practice, anyone can learn to draw! Read more

Thousands of years before the rise of Darth Sidious and Darth Vader, the Old Republic was rife with the evil Sith, who were a constant thorn in the side of the Jedi. But greed and hunger for power were eating away at the Sith Order, destroying it from within. In the midst of this rose a new Sith, Darth Bane, who recognized that the Sith Order would fall if nothing was done. Thus it was he who, learning to cultivate patience and cunning, hid from the strife until it was over, and then rose to become the most powerful Sith Lord ever. This is the story of the transformation of Des, a young miner, into the legendary Sith Lord Darth Bane. Des - like many of the disenfranchised who live on the Outer Rim - is disillusioned with the stagnancy of the Old Republic. When the Sith unite to bring the Republic down, Des is one of many to join their cause. His heroism and skill in battle - along with his remarkable connection to the Force - draw the notice of the Sith Masters, and Des eventually finds himself studying at the Sith Academy on Korriban. He takes the name of Bane and, amidst the deception and back-stabbing of the other students, he learns to unlock his latent dark-side talents. As his power grows, Bane realizes the Sith have lost their way. Under the leadership of Lord Kaan and his Brotherhood of Darkness, the Sith have turned their back on the true nature of the dark side. Through manipulation, cunning and strength, Bane destroys Kaan's Brotherhood and wipes out all the other Sith so he can found a new Order based on the rule of two: one Master, one apprentice. Read more

Scott Robertson explains how the human brain interprets the visual world around us, as well as the subject of visually communicating the form of an object in easy to understand, step-by-step lessons through the use of drawings, photography, and even 3D digital imagery that will enlighten and empower an artist. Read more

LEGO toys have sparked creativity and joy for generations, delighting families with each and every new connection. Now, LEGO Space: 1978 1992 explores the latter half of the twentieth century through the lens of LEGO Space - illuminating the brand's own history alongside the popular culture and world events that helped to shape it. This collection includes statistics and trivia for each set from across nearly two decades, fascinating insights of the LEGO Group as a company, and celebrations of the talented designers who helped to create each essential piece and kit. This gorgeous chronicle is perfect for LEGO fans and builders of all ages, and will excite any reader with an interest in the fascinating history of the peerless and classic building toy! Read more

This pocket-size version of The Complete Color Harmony features the color explorations, insights, and palettes included in the original version in a handy, take-along size. It’s the one color reference designers need.Get an introduction to using the color wheel and discover the key aspects of color, such as warm, cool, pale, and bright. Then, delve into moods and color and see how a wide variety of palettes can come across as earthy, powerful, regal, calm, dependable, and more.In this book you’ll discover:Hundreds of organized color palettes that can be used for a variety of art and design projects.Why certain colors attract.How colors evoke certain moods.Advice on choosing the best colors to work with.A CMYK process color chart and color swatches to make choosing colors and palettes easy.With all the expert information in this convenient portable guide, you’ll feel confident in every color choice. Read more