This work abandons the conventional distinctions between history and science. Diamond focuses on what ancient people were endowed with in the way of land, animals and plants, and on the confrontations between less and more advanced people to see how this led to today's inequalities.

Explores both the benefits and disadvantages of the developments in global communication. The author discusses the annoyance and dangers of BlackBerrys in meeting rooms, hands-free kits in conversation, and using a phone or iPod whilst driving.

This title describes 1000 must-see spots, from beaches to museums to cathedrals to bustling markets, grand hotels to backwater inns, rugged safaris to the most pampering spas. It includes addresses, phone and fax numbers, websites, costs and best times to visit with subject-specific indexes.

Talks about the mysterious collapse of past civilizations - and what this means for the future. Bringing together evidence from many sources and piecing together the myriad influences, from climate to culture, that make societies self-destruct, this book shows how unlike our ancestors we can benefit from our knowledge of the past.

A new edition of the world's most prestigious and authoritative reference atlas. Since its first edition in 1967 it has sold well over 1 million copies and its detailed and beautifully created mapping represents the perfect blend of tradition, authority and style which set it apart. Reprinted with updates 2008.

Bill Bryson describes himself as a reluctant traveller, but even when he stays safely in his own study at home, he can't contain his curiosity about the world around him. This book is his quest to understand everything that has happened from the Big Bang to the rise of civilization.

A reassessment of the 20th century exploring topics such as the breakdown of the Old World, the lack of international accord, the failure of the Arts in recent years and the influence of the Third World.

Homer called it a divine substance. Plato described it as especially dear to the gods. From the rural Sichuan province where the last home-made soya sauce is made to the Cheshire brine springs that supplied salt around the globe, the author blends political, commercial, scientific, religious and culinary records into a tale.

The remarkable debut novel from Khaled Hosseini, now out in paperback in a stunning new package

The ultimate work of historical reference

Contains rankings on more than 200 topics in subject areas as geography, population, business, the economy, trade, transport, finance, industry, demographics, the environment, society, culture and crime. This book also contains facts on more than 200 topics, data on 182 countries and profiles of more than 65 of the world's major economies.

A powerful and accessible account of globalization -- the new world order that has replaced the cold war -- by the award-winning author of From Beirut to Jerusalem.

Tadessa from Ethiopia, Suchart from Thailand, Celina from Brazil - each has hopes and fears dreams and beliefs. Their cultures are different yet in many ways their daily lives are very similar. This book features photographs that bring to life the children's families and homes, their clothes and food, and other aspects of their daily lives.

In 1421, the largest fleet the world had ever seen set sail from China under the command of Emperor Zhu Di's loyal eunuch admirals. But by the time they returned home, Zhu Di had lost control and China was turning inwards, leaving the records of their discoveries to be forgotten for centuries.

Provides physical maps as well as thematic maps covering such aspects as population, food, minerals, climate, and energy.

Aiming to provoke thought and elicit questions, this book explains facts about the world's population simply. Instead of unimaginable billions, it presents the whole world as a village of just 100 people. We find out that 22 speak a Chinese dialect and that 17 can't read or write.

What the World Eats. This book provides a fascinating expose on the rich and the famished - who is eating what, where and how much.

One night in the reform club, Phileas Fogg bets his companions that he can travel across the globe in just eighty days. He sets off with his valet Passepartout, and passes through exotic lands and dangerous locations, they seize whatever transportation is at hand - whether train or elephant - overcoming set-backs and racing against the clock.

Part of the Penguin Atlas of World History series, which covers events from the French Revolution onwards, this second volume includes events ranging from the aftermath of the fall of the Berlin Wall to the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001.

Covers events from the beginning of world history to the eve of the French Revolution. This book offers a wide-ranging, chronological summary of the main cultural, scientific, religious and political events of the period. It is accompanied by detailed maps that clarify complex historical situations.