The Mattel Archive

The Mattel Archive 

by Ynon Kreiz 

Language: English 

New York: Rizzoli International Publications, 2025. 

352 pages : illustrations ; 31 cm. 

ISBN: 9780847875894, 084787589X 

Summary: "Celebrating eighty years of the most influential toy company in the world, this landmark publication is a captivating journey through the vibrant history of Mattel, a name synonymous with imagination and creativity for generations. Beautifully illustrated with full pages from Mattel's original printed catalogs--design objects in themselves, with a wealth of imagery and typography that reflects the style of each passing decade--the book chronicles the evolution of the company from its humble beginnings in 1945 to its status today as a global leader in the toy industry. Encompassing the evolution of a remarkable archive of toys with special focus on those universal icons of childhood, Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Fisher-Price, the book reveals behind-the-scenes stories of the visionaries who brought these toys to life, and explores the cultural impact they have had on children and families worldwide."

Street Unicorns: Extravagant Fashion Photography from NYC Streets and Beyond

Street Unicorns: Extravagant Fashion Photography from NYC Streets and Beyond 

by Robbie Quinn 

Language: English 

New York, NY: Cernunnos, an imprint of Abrams, 2022. 

239 pages : color illustrations ; 26 cm. 

ISBN: 9781419762048, 1419762044 

Summary: "In a world where stores, clothes, and trends have become increasingly standardized, fashion is one of the most powerful ways to explore and express our personalities, identities, and individuality. For years, renowned photographer Robbie Quinn has come across style rebels and bold expressionists on the streets of NYC and the world's largest cities, stopping them for impromptu photoshoots and testimonials. He's even given these eccentric lovers of style a name: Street Unicorns. In these pages, Quinn shares the portraits, viewpoints, and aspirations of more than 250 Street Unicorns with the hopes of inspiring readers to rediscover the most authentic parts of themselves. A vibrant declaration against ageism, racism, homophobia, and all other discriminations, this book is a love letter to those who aren't afraid to stand out, embrace nonconformity, and share who they are with the world."--Supplied by publisher

Studio Ghibli: The Complete Works

Studio Ghibli: The Complete Works 

Language: English 

New York: Kodansha USA Publishing, 2022. 

159 pages : color illustrations ; 27 cm. 

ISBN: 9781647291495, 1647291496 

Summary: "A beautiful, full-color dive into the history and future of Studio Ghibli, Japan's preeminent animation house. In-depth looks at every one of their 26 feature films - including the latest, Earwig and the Witch - means there's something for everyone, while exclusive interviews and rare director's commentary plus behind-the-scenes tidbits will excite even the most devoted Ghibli afficionados. A gorgeous, stirring must-have for Studio Ghibli fans and newcomers alike! From classics like Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind to the latest work, Earwig and the Witch, this beautiful art book introduces all 26 acclaimed Studio Ghibli films. Take a deep look into Ghibli's first 3D feature film, Earwig and the Witch, with an exclusive interview with director Goro Miyazaki."

Take Me Home: Rescue Dogs

Take Me Home: Rescue Dogs 

by Andrew Grant 

Language: English 

Buffalo, New York: Firefly Books, 2022. 

288 pages : color illustrations ; 24 cm. 

ISBN: 9780228103042, 0228103045 

Summary: "In 2009, Andrew Grant began photographing dogs, starting with two French bulldogs at an unrelated commercial "shoot." Then he discovered the sad fact that millions of lost or abandoned dogs enter animal shelters every year. And only a few leave, through rescue and adoption. The rest are euthanized or live out a lonely, caged life. Andrew Grant began to photograph dogs that should be rescued, and dogs that have been rescued. Over 6 years he raised nearly $2million for shelter dogs through his photographic project. He did this with the sale of four limited-edition books of dog portraits, each called Rover. Each was bigger than the previous, and helped by hundreds of sponsoring dog owners. Those editions are all sold out, and fetch up to $400 on the rare book market -- when available. Most, though, are as treasured as their canine subjects. At least one copy is prized by Ellen DeGeneres, dog lover extraordinaire, who featured the book on her show. Now, Firefly Books is publishing a popularly-priced trade edition called Take Me Home. It contains 265 of Andrew Grant's most appealing photographs of dogs. Some are the best friends of lucky owners, and some, sadly, are homeless. All are splendidly realized in sharp, large and very lifelike color portraits. All were captured by state-of-the-art equipment and are truly the most beautiful dog pictures you have ever seen. They feature purebreds of almost every kind, and mixed breeds, too."-- Provided by publisher

Ants: A Visual Guide

Ants: A Visual Guide 

by Heather Campbell, Benjamin Blanchard 

Language: English 

Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 2023. 

224 pages : color illustrations, color maps ; 25 cm. 

ISBN: 9780691228525, 0691228523 

Summary: "A richly illustrated natural history of ants, covering their diversity, ecology, anatomy, behavior, and more. Plentiful and familiar, ants make up an estimated one-third of the world's insect biomass and can be found in virtually every part of the globe, from rainforest canopies to city sidewalks. But their importance is about more than numbers: ants are fundamental species in a range of habitats, their interactions with plants, fungi, and other animals ensuring the survival of many fragile and complex ecosystems. This beautifully illustrated book explores the extraordinary diversity of ants and offers insights into their elaborate social systems, investigating the key collective and competitive behaviors that operate within their varied colony structures.Featuring exceptional close-up photographs and clearly organized thematic chapters, the book covers anatomy, evolution, life cycle, ecology, and other important topics. Each chapter also features profiles of stand-out genera, chosen for their fascinating characteristics, including Leafcutter Ants who build nests containing up to 7,000 chambers, Pugnacious Ants whose colonies can destroy populations of crabs within hours, and Honeypot Ants whose worker caste store food in their stomachs for other colony members to consume. Drawing on current research, Ants offers an inviting and accessible introduction to these remarkable insects. Includes more than 200 stunning color photographs, plus infographics and diagrams, presents full profiles of 42 iconic genera from across the world. Features clearly structured thematic chapters."-- Provided by publisher

Astrobiology: The Search for Alien Life: The Illustrated Edition

Astrobiology: The Search for Alien Life: The Illustrated Edition 

by Andrew May 

Language: English 

London: Icon Books, 2023. 

320 pages illustrations ; 23 cm. 

ISBN: 9781785789700, 1785789708 

Summary: "Extraterrestrial life is a common theme in science fiction, but is it a serious prospect in the real world? Astrobiology is the emerging field of science that seeks to answer this question. The possibility of life elsewhere in the cosmos is one of the most profound subjects that human beings can ponder. Astrophysicist Andrew May gives an expert overview of our current state of knowledge, looking at how life started on Earth, the tell-tale signatures it produces, and how such signatures might be detected elsewhere in the Solar System or on the many exoplanets now being discovered by the Kepler and TESS missions. Along the way the book addresses key questions such as the riddle of Fermis paradox (Where is everybody?) and the crucial role of DNA and water they're essential to life as we know it, but is the same true of alien life? And the really big question: when we eventually find extraterrestrials, will they be friendly or hostile?"--Publisher's description

The Deep Ocean: Life in the Abyss

The Deep Ocean: Life in the Abyss 

by Michael Vecchione, Louise Allcock, I. G. Priede, Hans van Haren

Language: English 

Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 2023. 

288 pages : illustrations (chiefly color), maps (chiefly color) ; 29 cm. 

ISBN: 9780691226811, 0691226814 

Summary: "The deep ocean comprises more than 90 percent of our planet's biosphere and is home to some of the world's most dazzling creatures, which thrive amid extreme pressures, scarce food supplies, and frigid temperatures. Living things down here behave in remarkable and surprising ways, and cutting-edge technologies are shedding new light on these critically important ecosystems. This beautifully illustrated book leads you down into the canyons, trenches, and cold seeps of the watery abyss, presenting the deep ocean and its inhabitants as you have never seen them before"-- Publisher's description

The Lives of Beetles: A Natural History of Coleoptera

The Lives of Beetles: A Natural History of Coleoptera 

by Arthur V. Evans 

Language: English 

Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2023. 

288 pages : illustrations (chiefly color), color maps ; 26 cm. 

ISBN: 9780691236513, 0691236518 

Summary: "A richly illustrated introduction to the incredible world of beetles. With some 400,000 species, beetles are among the largest and most successful groups of organisms on earth, making up one-fifth of all plant and animal species. No other animals exhibit such a dazzling range of size, form, and color. Mostly small, sturdy, and compact, beetles are incredibly well-equipped to find food, reproduce, and avoid predators. Additionally, their collective roles as herbivores, hunters, and recyclers are critical to the sustainability of terrestrial ecosystems. In this lavishly illustrated book, beetle expert and author Arthur Evans presents an inviting and comprehensive introduction to the fascinating lives of the world's beetles. Universal in scope, The Lives of Beetles is packed with the latest scientific findings, presented in an accessible way. Individual chapters cover beetles' structure and function; evolution, diversity, classification, and distribution; communication, reproduction, and development; feeding habits; uses in medicine, science, and technology; and study and conservation. Each chapter concludes with nine stunningly illustrated profiles that highlight the lives of some of the world's most beautiful and interesting species. The book also features an up-to-date family classification, a glossary, and suggestions for further reading. We need beetles for the ecological services they provide, the technological innovations they inspire, and the scientific insights they reveal, so it is essential that we all get to know beetles better and strive to conserve their habitats. The Lives of Beetles is the perfect place to begin this journey of discovery and understanding"--Amazon.com

Reviews: Quarterly Review of Biology

Shapeshifters: The Wondrous World of Jellyfish

Shapeshifters: The Wondrous World of Jellyfish 

by Lisa-Ann Gershwin 

Language: English 

New York: Abrams, 2023. 

223 pages : color illustrations ; 28 cm. 

ISBN: 9781419766107, 1419766104 

Summary: "Jellyfish come in a dazzling array of colors, shapes, and sizes, drifting through every ocean, from the surface to the deepest of the deep seas, and are even found in freshwater locations. These ancient creatures, also called sea jellies (they are not, technically, fish), are so otherworldly and luminous that it is no wonder they are often compared to mythical shapeshifters. Some are so delicate that they shatter with the smallest disturbance to the water, while the tenacity of others means they can withstand almost any temperature, any salinity, starvation, and even being dismembered. And some are truly biologically immortal. This visually breathtaking book showcases 100 species of jellyfish within its pages -- from the ubiquitous Aurelia to the enigmatic Velella -- along with astounding facts about these fascinating marine life-forms. Some are splendid, some strange, some poisonous, some deadly. Some carry surprising secrets and some are barely known, but every one of them is remarkable and has a tale to tell. An introduction by noted expert Lisa-ann Gershwin, with her commentary throughout, invites you into the wondrous world of jellyfish"--Back cover

Shoes A-Z : the collection of the museum at FIT

Shoes A-Z : the collection of the museum at FIT 

Language: English 

Cologne: Taschen, 2023. 

531 pages : illustrations (chiefly color), portraits ; 35 cm. 

ISBN: 9783836574297, 9783836596244, 3836574292, 3836596245 

Summary: Sky-high, ornate, and the pinnacle of glamour, both restrictive and liberating, art object and deeply ordinary, shoes tell the story of shifting attitudes toward desire, power, and wealth throughout history. Lace up for a journey through the most enviable shoe closet from the permanent collection at The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology—and four centuries of fashion’s hardest working accessory.

Reactions: An Illustrated Exploration of Elements, Molecules, and Change in the Universe

Reactions: An Illustrated Exploration of Elements, Molecules, and Change in the Universe 

by Theodore Gray 

Language: English 

New York: Black Dog & Leventhal, 2020. 

vii, 216 pages : color illustrations ; 26 cm. 

ISBN: 9780762497362, 076249736X 

Summary: The book begins with a brief recap of elements and molecules and then goes on to explain important concepts that characterize a chemical reaction, including Energy, Entropy, and Time.

Optical Illusions: The Science of Visual Perception

Optical Illusions: The Science of Visual Perception 

by Al Seckel 

Language: English 

Buffalo, New York: Firefly Books, 2010. 

312 pages : chiefly color illustrations ; 27 cm. 

ISBN: 9781554071517, 1554071518 

Summary: Presents nearly three hundred optical illustions along with an explanation for how each works.

Reviews: Leonardo

The New Book of Optical Illusions

The New Book of Optical Illusions 

by Georg Rüschemeyer 

Language: English 

Richmond Hill, Ontario: Firefly Books, 2015. 

207 pages : color illustrations ; 26 cm. 

ISBN: 9781770855922, 1770855920 

Summary: "[A] mind-bending collection of 150 of the most significant optical phenomena, loosely grouped into 33 chapters according to particular visual effect ... Concise text describes the history of the optical illusions and their origin. Some are ancient (like a 3D Roman mosaic in a 2nd-century BC home on Malta) and others are modern (like emoticons and street art). There are rarely seen phenomena, works by great illusionists, like M.C. Escher, and well-known illusions like the Impossible Triangle and the Albert Einstein/Marilyn Monroe portrait."--Amazon.com

Reviews: Kirkus Reivews

Written in Bones: How Human Remains Unlock the Secrets of the Dead

Written in Bones: How Human Remains Unlock the Secrets of the Dead

Language: English 

Richmond Hill, Ontario: Firefly Books, 2012. 

224 pages : illustrations (some color), 1 genealogical table, maps ; 26 cm. 

ISBN: 9781554079926, 1554079926 

Summary: Human remains have much to tell us about how our ancestors lived and died, what they believed, and the rituals that were important to them. In Written in Bones, a team of international forensic anthropologists and archaeologists examines important case studies of human remains found at archaeological sites around the world. Comprehensive text and color photographs describe how the remains were analyzed using modern scientific techniques and how the data were assembled to create authentic pictures of ancient culture.

Reviews: Science Teacher

Shoe Innovations: A Visual Celebration of 60 Styles

Shoe Innovations: A Visual Celebration of 60 Styles 

by Caroline Cox 

Language: English 

Richmond Hill, Ontario: Firefly Books, 2012. 

256 p. : ill. (chiefly col.), ports. (some col.) ; 23 cm. 

ISBN: 9781770850347, 1770850341 

Summary: The complete story of shoe design, from the Edwardian Louis heel, through the 1940s wedge, to today's extreme architectural designs. Cox traces the evolution of sixty iconic designs, placing each benchmark shoe in its social and cultural context, and describes the reasons for its popularity-- or fall from grace-- and in some cases, its revival.

Diamonds: Their History, Sources, Qualities and Benefits

Diamonds: Their History, Sources, Qualities and Benefits 

by Renée Newman 

Language: English 

Buffalo, New York: Firefly Books, 2021. 

272 pages : illustrations (chiefly color), color maps ; 29 cm.

ISBN: 9780228103318, 0228103312 

Summary: "The beauty and sparkle and mystique of diamonds is unmatched by that of any other gem in the world. Since early times, diamonds have been treasured as good luck charms, remarkable tools and status symbols and have been worn, collected and presented as lavish gifts. Today, diamonds remain among the most sought-after gemstones and continue to hold their value through good times and bad. In Diamonds, author Renée Newman, a graduate gemologist and author of many trade-level handbooks on gemstones, invites the reader on a journey into the fascinating world of diamonds. This lavishly illustrated guide -- which features hundreds of photos, maps and diagrams -- covers everything from mining, cutting and evaluating diamonds to the romantic histories of some of the world's most valuable stones. Diamonds includes chapters on: What a diamond is -- its significance from antiquity to the present day and what it represents from different perspectives The process and history of mining diamonds -- the locations (both modern and historical) as well as the techniques used to mine diamonds The evolution of diamond cutting -- how a diamond is processed and what are the key cuts and shapes to know Diamond jewelry through the ages -- how diamonds have been used in jewelry from pre-Georgian times to today Evaluating and pricing diamonds -- how diamonds are priced based on their many value factors, such as color, carat weight, cut, clarity, and so on Man-made diamonds The remarkable benefits of diamonds. As beautiful as they are precious and as useful as they are decorative, diamonds continue to fascinate and allure. Diamonds will be a welcome guide for anyone who has felt the romance and power of these fascinating gems. It will also be a useful resource for professionals in the jewelry trade."-- Provided by publisher

Reviews: Library Journal; Rocks & Minerals

Pavement Chalk Artist: The Three-Dimensional Drawings of Julian Beever

Pavement Chalk Artist: The Three-Dimensional Drawings of Julian Beever 

by Julian Beever 

Language: English 

Buffalo, New York: Firefly Books, 2018. 

143 pages : color illustrations ; 26 cm. 

ISBN: 9780228100775, 0228100771 

Summary: Julian Beever, a master chalk artists, has delighted audiences in Europe, London and North America with his stunning three-dimensional anamorphic drawings. Anamorphic drawings are drawn in perspective and distorted so that the subject can only be viewed properly from one particular angle, and most convincingly through a camera lens. These drawings have delighted viewers foryears because they appear so realistically three-dimensional when seen through a camera lens. When the artist poses with the art, he appears to step right into the scene. Pavement Chalk Artist includes a fabulous selection of Beever's most intriguing anamorphic drawings. The photographs record the development of his unusual skill and understanding of perspective. Each one is accompanied by a description of the techniques he used and the challenges he overcame to produce original, inventive subjects in locations worldwide. This new edition includes 16 new pages of Beever's recent art, in addition to the 16 added to the second edition, for a total of 32 new pages.

Reviews: Publishers Weekly; Library Journal

Bizarre Buildings

Bizarre Buildings 

by Paul Cattermole, Ian Westwell 

Language: English 

Richmond Hill, Ontario: Firefly Books, 2007. 

224 p. : col. ill. ; 28 cm. 

ISBN: 9781554073085, 1554073081 

Summary: This intriguing book selects the world's most extreme and sometimes weird buildings and structures. Some illustrate the personal expression of an individual builder or patron who has a vision well beyond the norm, while others were built by architects pushing the conventional boundaries of design. Some of the buildings are masterpieces on a larger scale. Examples include Frank Gehry's iconic Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, with its glistening, undulating walls.

Tales From Gombe

Tales From Gombe 

by Anup Shah, Fiona Rogers 

Language: English 

Richmond Hill, Ontario: Firefly Books, 2014. 

324 pages : colour illustrations, colour map, genealogical tables ; 29 x 35 cm. 

ISBN: 9781770854680, 1770854681 

Summary: An irreplaceable natural history of the famous chimpanzees of Gombe National Park. There lives a society far away that we came to know. It imposes fewer inhibitions on its citizens than perhaps any modern society. There are very few cultural constraints of appearance and behavior on its members. The meager rules of conduct that do exist are implicit and well understood. These norms are almost always followed so that there are no policemen, judges, and lawyers. This society is a fine example of self-regulated social conduct. (from the Preface) The Gombe chimpanzees are probably the most famous group of wild animals in history, having been observed and chronicled for more than 50 years. Through studies initiated by paleontologist and anthropologist Louis Leakey and carried out by primatologist Jane Goodall, people worldwide know some of the names and stories of the Gombe chimpanzees. The intimate portraits in Tales from Gombe reveal their inner lives and introduce the social dynamics, the dynasties and the key players. Over the course of the last decade, Anup Shah and Fiona Rogers have dedicated long periods of their time to studying the various dynasties, photographing the key players and observing their actions. In Tales from Gombe they introduce the different characters and tell the fascinating stories of their lives, through both words and breathtaking photography. The story turns out to be an epic saga of convoluted plots, family alliances, love, passion, suffering, ambition, politics, puzzles, surprises and controversies. But while the book intrigues and entertains, it also matches science with art to provide a thought-provoking experience that leaves the reader with greater understanding of primate life and a strong sense of empathy and respect.

Orangutans: Their History, Natural History and Conservation

Orangutans: Their History, Natural History and Conservation 

by Ronald I. Orenstein, Ian Redmond 

Language: English 

Buffalo, New York: Firefly Books, 2024. 

352 pages : color illustrations, maps ; 29 cm. 

ISBN: 9780228103783, 0228103789 

Summary: "Native to the forests of Sumatra and Borneo, wild orangutans are listed as critically endangered. The rarest of them all, the Tapanuli orangutan, was only recognized as a separate species in 2017, and today, it is the rarest great ape in the world. In Orangutans, zoologist and conservationist Ronald Orenstein draws on the latest research to survey the natural and cultural history of these charismatic red apes as well as their present and future. Divided into three parts, the book first traces orangutan ancestry from the distant past to the present and then explores the various roles orangutans have played throughout human history, from Indigenous cultures in Southeast Asia, to European colonialism and scientific exploration, to the pop culture of today. Part two details the latest scientific discoveries about orangutans and what we currently know about their habitat, diet, behavior, social structures and abilities. The final section of the book turns to the threats orangutans face today, from the destruction of their forest homes to deliberate killings, captures and the illegal trade that supplies animals for display, collection and entertainment. The author also surveys the efforts being made to save them from extinction, to preserve their ecosystems and to return orphaned orangutans to a life in the wild. Featuring over 150 full-color photographs, maps, a list of orangutan organizations to support and an extensive bibliography, Orangutans is an important, engaging and beautiful work about one of nature's most captivating animals."-- Provided by publisher

Reviews: Natural History

Face Paint: The Story of Makeup

Face Paint: The Story of Makeup 

by Lisa Eldridge 

Language: English 

New York: Abrams Image, 2015. 

240 pages : illustrations (some color) ; 27 cm. 

ISBN: 9781419717963, 1419717960 

Summary: "Make-up, as we know it, has only been commercially available in the last 100 years, but applying decoration to the face and body may be one of the oldest global social practices. Lisa Eldridge, one of the world's foremost make-up artists--with a very large and loyal public following of her own--has written the first real history of the subject. Face Paint will explore the reasons behind make-up's use, the actual materials employed and manufactured through the ages, the icons that people emulate and how they achieved their effects, the impact on women's lives and the present and future of make-up from high profile practitioners artists to cosmetic breakthroughs. Along with the glamorous trappings, this is also about women's history and the ways in which we can understand their story through the prism of make-up."--Publisher's description

New York City brick by brick : the art of LEGO construction

New York City brick by brick : the art of LEGO construction 

by Jonathan Lopes 

Language: English 

New York: Abrams Image, 2019. 

192 pages : color illustrations ; 25 cm + 1 poster. 

ISBN: 9781419734687, 1419734687 

Summary: New York City Brick by Brick is the ultimate exploration of the architecture and history of New York City through the creative medium of LEGO. Expert builder Jonathan Lopes presents iconic structures of his own design, including the Flatiron Building, the Woolworth Building, the Manhattan Bridge, Grand Central Terminal, Junior's Diner, brownstones, fire houses, and much more! Each model has been beautifully photographed with full-scale views and close-up details, as well as brief instructional breakouts. Lopes's masterful constructions will inspire builders of all ages.

What the Bees See

What the Bees See: A Honeybee's Eye View of the World 

by Craig P. Burrows 

Language: English 

San Francisco, Chronicle Books, 2024. 

192 pages : illustrations (chiefly color) ; 28 cm. 

ISBN: 9781797230184, 1797230182 

Summary: "Flowers glow in otherworldly blues and teals. An array of brilliant colors emerges from their petals. By exploring the wonders of the ultraviolet spectrum using innovative imaging technology, we come one step closer to understanding the extraordinary lives of bees. Photographer and horticulturalist Craig P. Burrows has spent the last ten years capturing flowers in this spectrum, and this book collects his stunning ultraviolet-induced visible fluorescence (UVIVF) photos. In addition to these gorgeous nature images, the book illuminates our relationship with honeybees through in-depth research, diagrams, and archival images, exploring the science of pollination, the environmental impacts affecting bees, and the applications of bee products in the fields of medicine and cosmetics. A celebration of the symbiotic relationship between humans and honeybees that has benefited us throughout history, this book is an incredible look into the power of nature and how bees can help save the world"-- Provided by publisher

My Beautiful Black Hair

My Beautiful Black Hair: 101 Natural Hair Stories from the Sisterhood 

by St. Clair Detrick-Jules 

Language: English 

San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 2021. 

255 pages : color illustrations ; 25 cm. 

ISBN: 9781797212197, 1797212192 

Summary: "My Beautiful Black Hair celebrates the beauty of Black natural hairstyles through personal stories of joy, compassion, affirmation, and collective wisdom"-- Provided by publisher

Understanding the World. The Atlas of Infographics

Understanding the World: The Atlas of Infographics 

by Sandra Rendgen 

Language: English 

Köln: Taschen, 2023. 

456 pages : illustrations, maps ; 32 cm. 

ISBN: 9783836594967, 383659496X 

Summary: "Dazzling in scale, diversity and detail, the world never ceases to open our eyes and captivate our curiosity. Ever since the earliest cave paintings, humans have looked at this Earth that is our home and endeavored to understand it. This expansive visual atlas presents the most exciting, creative and inspiring ways of explaining the world in information graphics. Divided into five chapters, the book covers the environment, technology, economics, society, and culture to reveal some of the Earth's greatest intricacies in accessible visual form. Featuring more than 280 graphics, reproduced in large scale including seven fold-out spreads, the collection focuses on the 21st century, but also includes historical masterpieces to put our current situation into perspective. Nigel Holmes introduces the book with an exclusive infographic of his own, while Sandra Rendgen provides an illustrated historical essay to explore how we have studied and interpreted our world over the centuries. With graphics drawn from such sources as Fortune, National Geographic, and The Guardian, this is not only a showcase of outstanding data design, but also a fascinating digest of where and how we live"--Publisher's description

Reviews: Geographical Magazine

100 Manga Artists

100 Manga Artists 

Language: English 

Köln: Taschen, 2025. 

574 pages : chiefly illustrations (some color) ; 23 cm. 

ISBN: 9783836599931, 3836599937 

Summary: Discover the latest and the greatest of Japan’s manga scene. This extensive overview features classic maestros like Osamu Tezuka (creator of Astro Boy) and Katsuhiro Otomo (creator of Akira) as well as the most exciting newcomers and, of course, their fictional superstars.

History of Information Graphics

History of Information Graphics 

by Sandra Rendgen, Nigel Holmes, Simon Rogers, Richard Saul Wurman, Paolo Ciuccarelli, Julius Wiedemann 

Language: English 

Koln: Taschen, 2025. 

479 pages (including 8 folded leaves), 1 unnumbered page : illustrations (chiefly color), facsimiles, color graphs, maps (chiefly color), portraits ; 33 cm. 

ISBN: 9783836599665, 383659966X 

Summary: In the age of big data and digital distribution, when news travel ever further and faster and media outlets compete for a fleeting slice of online attention, information graphics have swept center stage. At once nuanced and neat, they distill abstract ideas, complex statistics, and cutting-edge discoveries into succinct, compelling, and masterful designs. Cartographers, programmers, statisticians, designers, scientists, and journalists have developed a new field of expertise in visualizing knowledge.

Logo Design. Global Brands

Logo Design. Global Brands 

Language: English 

Köln: Taschen, 2024. 

601 pages, 7 unnumbered pagres : illustrations (chiefly color) ; 21 cm. 

ISBN: 9783836576758, 3836576759 

Summary: "Following up on the best-selling 'Bibliotheca Universalis' logo manual, this second volume focuses on corporate identity" emblems. "In a globalized world, more and more symbols convey values such as trust, quality, or reliability. This catalog comprehensively" compiles images from categories of "distinctive brands. From airlines and groceries, sportswear and computers, museums, and magazines, to car brands, music labels, pharmaceuticals, and internet portals, this" volume "offers around 4,500 brand logos including ... country, as well as brands and companies", and occasionally designers and/or year of origin. A "reference book for anyone interested in ... branding ..."--Amazon

World's Greatest Sneaker Collectors

World's Greatest Sneaker Collectors 

by Simon Wood 

Language: English 

Köln: Taschen, 2023. 

752 pages : illustrations ; 32 cm. 

ISBN: 9783836596299, 3836596296 

Summary: "Simon "Woody" Wood, founder and editor-in-chief of Sneaker Freaker magazine, has spent the last two decades analyzing the global cult of footwear fanatics. That experience directly inspired World's Greatest Sneaker Collectors, a stonking 752-page journey into the priceless stockpiles and obsessive minds of prominent aficionados. From Tokyo to New York, via London, Philadelphia, Melbourne, and Stjordal, no crumbled midsole is left unturned as over 2,500 vintage classics, unique athlete SMUs, unobtainable samples, handmade 1-of-1 prototypes, stratospherically priced colabs, and Player Exclusives and game-worn Jordans with multi-million-dollar price tags are lauded with gusto. The endless quest for "Holy Grails" is both blessing and curse as our collectors fiend, scheme, and dream of "the one" shoe they don't yet own Luxuriously photographed profiles are augmented with a series of informative "How-to" guides stuffed with pro tips on sneaker photography, storage, insurance, cleaning, and avoiding the counterfeit curse. The expertise is priceless. The stories will entertain for days as we seek out the fundamentals of what it means, and takes, to define yourself as a "true collector.""--Publisher's description

The Package Design Book

The Package Design Book 

Language: English 

Koln: Taschen, 2024. 

575 pages : illustrations (chiefly color) ; 21 cm. 

ISBN: 9783836555524, 3836555522 

Summary: "Packaging is a highly underrated art form. As the first thing a consumer sees when looking at a product, it can make or break a sale. Every year, the Pentawards celebrate the art of the package by recognizing the world's most groundbreaking and influential designs. Designers compete in five main categories — beverages, food, body, luxury, and other markets — and no fewer than 50 sub-categories." -- Amazon

1000 record covers

1000 record covers 

by Michael Ochs 

Language: English 

Köln: Taschen, 2021. 

573 pages : color illustrations ; 21 cm. 

ISBN: 9783836550581, 383655058X 

Summary: "Record covers are a sign of our life and times. Like the music on the discs, they address such issues as love, life, death, fashion, and rebellion. For music fans the covers are the expression of a period, of a particular time in their lives. Many are works of art and have become as famous as the music they stand for--Andy Warhol's covers, for example, including the banana he designed for The Velvet Underground. This edition of Record covers presents a selection of the best '60s to '90s rock album covers from music archivist, disc jockey, journalist, and former record-publicity executive Michael Ochs's enormous private collection. Both a trip down memory lane and a study in the evolution of cover art, this is a sweeping look at an underappreciated art form."--Publisher description

Reviews: Rolling Stone

The Madman's Library: The Strangest Books, Manuscripts and Other Literary Curiosities from History

The Madman's Library: The Strangest Books, Manuscripts and Other Literary Curiosities from History 

by Edward Brooke-Hitching 

Language: English 

London: Simon & Schuster, 2022. 

255 pages : illustrations (chiefly colour) ; 26 cm. 

ISBN: 9781398503571, 1398503576 

Summary: This is a madman's library of eccentric and extraordinary volumes from around the world, many of which have been completely forgotten. Books written in blood and books that kill, books of the insane and books that hoaxed the globe, books invisible to the naked eye and books so long they could destroy the Universe, books worn into battle, books of code and cypher whose secrets remain undiscovered... and a few others that are just plain weird. From the 605-page Qur'an written in the blood of Saddam Hussein, through the gorgeously decorated 15th-century lawsuit filed by the Devil against Jesus, to the lost art of binding books with human skin, every strand of strangeness imaginable (and many inconceivable) has been unearthed and bound together for a unique and richly illustrated collection ideal for every book-lover.

Reviews: Journal of the Australian Library & Information Association; Library Journal

Cult Sneakers: Discover the Stories of the most Iconic & Rare Designs

Cult Sneakers: Discover the Stories of the most Iconic & Rare Designs 

by Tonton Gibs 

Language: English 

Cassell, 2025. 280 p. : col. ill. 

ISBN: 9781788406307, 1788406303 

Summary: Discover the legendary stories behind the most iconic sneakers and collaborations in history. From trailblazing OG models to groundbreaking partnerships, this book explores the masterpieces of leading brands like Adidas, Nike, Bape, Le Coq Sportif, Puma, Diadora, Saucony, and more.

Art & Sole: Contemporary Sneaker Art & Design

Art & Sole: Contemporary Sneaker Art & Design 

Language: English 

London: Laurence King Publishing, 2025. 

304 pages : illustrations ; 28 cm. 

ISBN: 9781399624138, 139962413X 

Summary: Art & Sole explores the creative heart of sneaker culture, celebrating the best and most original rarities and sought-after artist collaborations ever made. These sneakers are often crafted in limited runs with cutting-edge materials, innovative designs and bespoke packaging. Completely revised and fully updated, this edition includes over 40 new artists and more than 400 new images of highly collectible editions. Brands featured include Nike, adidas, Converse, Vans, New Balance, Reebok and Puma - along with the artist and designers who have collaborated with them, such as Virgil Abloh, FUTURA, Nicole McLaughlin, Geoff McFetridge, Parra, Shantell Martin and KAWS. --Amazon

The Art of Money: The History and Design of Paper Currency from Around the World

The Art of Money: The History and Design of Paper Currency from Around the World 

by David Standish 

Language: English 

San Francsico: Chronicle Books, 2000. 

144 pages : color illustrations ; 23 cm. 

ISBN: 9780811828055, 0811828050 

Summary: A beautifully illustrated history of paper currency from around the world offers a close-up look at a variety of international bills, detailing the various people, places, animals, historical events, and other subjects appearing on the currency from some eighty countries. Both a cultural history and an artful design book, this volume chronicles the origins of currency, the symbols behind the designs, and the often nationalistic and propagandistic motives underlying them. After a history tracing the path of commodity-currencies, the book looks at the subject matter, by category, behind the designs of various paper money from its origin to today's Euro.

Reviews: Publishers Weekly; Print; New York Times Book Review; Booklist

Art in the Streets

Art in the Streets 

by Jeffrey Deitch

Language: English 

New York: Rizzoli Electa, 2021. 

319 pages : illustrations (chiefly color) ; 29 cm. 

ISBN: 9780847869756, 9780847836178, 9780847836482, 084786975X, 0847836177, 0847836487 

Summary: A catalog of an exhibition that surveys the history of international graffiti and street art.

Reviews: Library Journal

American Character: Surprising Portraits of an Unseen Nation

American Character: Surprising Portraits of an Unseen Nation 

by Peter Guttman 

Language: English 

New York: Skyhorse Publishing, 2024. 

256 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm. 

ISBN: 9781510780415, 1510780416 

Summary: "Award-winning photographer Peter Guttman showcases the vibrant and wildly diverse American people in an unprecedented, multi-decade collection of sharply etched portraits"-- Provided by publisher

Knowledge is Beautiful

Knowledge is Beautiful 

by David McCandless 

Language: English 

New York: Harper Design, 2020. 

255 pages : illustrations, maps ; 26 cm. 

ISBN: 9780062188229, 9780007427925, 0062188224, 0007427921 

Summary: Delves into the world of visualized data where stunning infographics that blend the facts with their connections, contexts, and relationships make information meaningful, entertaining, and beautiful.

Reviews: New Scientist; Communication Arts

Toilets of the World: 100 Strange and Spectacular Thrones, Commodes, Loos, and Latrines

Toilets of the World: 100 Strange and Spectacular Thrones, Commodes, Loos, and Latrines 

Language: English 

Lonely Planet, 2025. 

144 p. : col. ill. 

ISBN: 9781837585847, 1837585849 

Summary: Discover 100 lavish lavatories and outstanding outhouses that offer a window to our world. From Tokyo's transparent public toilets to the sand-swept privy in the Namib desert and a barren bog on Bolivia's Altiplano, each commode features a fun illustration, photo and description proving that beauty can be found in the most unexpected of places…

Reviews: National Geographic Traveler

Temples of Books: Magnificent Libraries Around the World

Temples of Books: Magnificent Libraries Around the World 

by Marianne Julia Strauss 

Language: English 

Berlin: Gestalten, 2022. 

301 pages : color illustrations ; 31 cm. 

ISBN: 9783967040241, 3967040240 

Summary: "Temples of Books celebrates the world’s oldest and grandest shrines to the written word, as well as new and tiny ones: from baroque palaces to micro-libraries made of recycled plastics, and the unlikely ones in between. Looking at the diverse architecture of global libraries throughout the ages, Temples of Books goes further and explores the very idea of libraries themselves. This is a book about the beauty of books, a book for book lovers and for those who believe in the power of ideals."--Provided by publisher

The Library: A World History

The Library: A World History 

by James W. P. Campbell 

Language: English 

Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2013. 

320 pages : color illustrations ; 32 cm. 

ISBN: 9780226092812, 022609281X 

Summary: A library is not just a collection of books, but also the buildings that house them. From the great dome of the Library of Congress, to the white facade of the Seinäjoki Library in Finland, the architecture of a library is a symbol of its time as well as of its builders' wealth, culture, and learning.

Reviews: TLS. Times Literary Supplement; Architectural Review; Libraries & the Academy; Information Research; Library & Information History; Technicalities

The World’s Most Beautiful Libraries

The World’s Most Beautiful Libraries 

by Massimo Listri, Georg Ruppelt, Elisabeth Sladek 

Language: English 

Cologne: Taschen, 2023. 

510 pages : illustrations (chiefly colour) ; 22 cm. 

ISBN: 9783836593816, 3836593815 

Summary: "From the mighty halls of ancient Alexandria to the coffered ceilings of the Morgan Library in New York, human beings have had a long, enraptured relationship with libraries. Like no other concept and like no other space, the collection of knowledge, learning, and imagination offers a sense of infinite possibility. It?s the unrivaled realm of discovery, where every faded manuscript or mighty clothbound tome might reveal a provocative new idea, a far-flung fantasy, an ancient belief, a religious conviction, or a whole new way of being in the world. In this new photographic journey, Massimo Listri travels to some of the oldest and finest libraries to reveal their architectural, historical, and imaginative wonder. Through great wooden doors, up spiraling staircases, and along exquisite, shelf-lined corridors, he leads us through outstanding private, public, educational, and monastic libraries, dating as far back as 766. Between them, these medieval, classical, baroque, rococo, and 19th-century institutions hold some of the most precious records of human thought and deed, inscribed and printed in manuscripts, volumes, papyrus scrolls, and incunabula. In each, Listri?s poised images capture the library?s unique atmosphere, as much as their most prized holdings and design details. Featured libraries include the papal collections of the Vatican Apostolic Library and the Trinity College Library, home to the Book of Kells and Book of Durrow. With meticulous descriptions accompanying each featured library, we learn not only of the libraries? astonishing holdings--from which highlights are illustrated--but also of their often lively, turbulent, or controversial pasts. Like the Franciscan monastery in Lima, Peru, with its horde of archival Inquisition documents. At once a bibliophile beauty pageant, an ode to knowledge, and an evocation of the particular magic of print, this compact edition of our best-selling XXL-title is above all a cultural-historical pilgrimage to the heart of our halls of learning, to the stories they tell, as much as those they gather in printed matter along polished shelves."--Publisher

Reviews: Architectual Digest

Remarkable Diaries: The World's Greatest Diaries, Journals, Notebooks, & Letters

Remarkable Diaries: The World's Greatest Diaries, Journals, Notebooks, & Letters 

Language: English 

New York: DK Publishing, 2020. 

256 pages : illustrations (some color), maps (some color), music ; 31 cm. 

ISBN: 9780744020434, 0744020433 

Summary: Travel back in time and witness both everyday life and great moments in history in this fascinating compilation of diaries through the ages.Bringing together historical and literary diaries, artists' sketchbooks, explorers' journals, and scientists' notebooks, Remarkable Diaries provides an intimate insight into the lives and thoughts of some of the most interesting people of the last two thousand years. Discover what it was like to build a pyramid, sail the seas with Magellan, travel into the heart of Africa, or serve on the Western Front. Find out how writers and artists planned their masterpieces, and how scientists developed their groundbreaking theories.Arranged chronologically, Remarkable Diaries takes you into the pages of the world's greatest diaries, notebooks, and letters, including those of Samuel Pepys, Henry-David Thoreau, the Goncourt brothers, Virginia Woolf, and Anne Frank. Stunning reproductions of the original notebooks and manuscripts are complemented by extracts and quotations, and illustrated features set the diaries in their cultural and historical context.Essential reading for everyone who is passionate about history and literature, Remarkable Diaries provides a fascinating insight into the everyday lives, thoughts, and feelings of men and women through the centuries.

Reviews: Publishers Weekly

Treasures of Egypt: A Legacy in Photographs From the Pyramids to Cleopatra

Treasures of Egypt: A Legacy in Photographs From the Pyramids to Cleopatra 

Language: English 

Washington, DC: National Geographic, 2022. 

399 pages : illustrations (chiefly color), color maps ; 29 cm.

ISBN: 9781426222634, 1426222637 

Summary: "The images in this breathtaking volume celebrate the vibrant beauty and rich cultural heritage of Egypt on the 100th anniversary of the discovery of King Tut's tomb"-- Provided by publisher

Reviews: Booklist

The rainbow atlas : a guide to the world's 500 most colorful places

The rainbow atlas : a guide to the world's 500 most colorful places

by Taylor Fuller 

Language: English 

San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 2020. 

400 pages : color illustrations ; 24 cm. 

ISBN: 9781452182827, 1452182825 

Summary: "This vibrant book takes readers on a tour of 500 eye-poppingly colorful spots around the world. It spans natural phenomena, architectural wonders, art installations, and more, ranging from the pink lakes of the Yucatan Peninsula to China's Rainbow Mountains, and from the colorful streets of Cape Town to the Museum of Ice Cream in San Francisco. Each entry pairs a stunning photo with an evocative caption, and the book's rich content is organized by longitude, creating fun and unexpected juxtapositions"-- Provided by publisher

The Travel Book: A Complete Guide to Every Country in the World

The Travel Book: A Complete Guide to Every Country in the World

Language: English 

[Carlton, Victoria, Australia]: Lonely Planet, 2021. 

407 pages : color illustrations, maps ; 35 cm. 

ISBN: 9781838694593, 1838694595 

Summary: Get ready for a journey through every country in the world. In this fourth edition of The Travel Book each country features an all-new profile that includes details of when to visit, what to see and do, and how to learn more about the country's culture from its film, music, food and drink. All brand new, incredible photography illustrates each country, depicting what life is like in each nation from photographic portraits of people, to beautiful landscapes and vibrant scenes of street life. Supported by colourful and detailed mapping, this title will bring the world to life for a new generation of travellers.

Cultural Treasures of the World

Cultural Treasures of the World 

Language: English 

New York: DK Publishing, 2022. 

440 pages : illustrations (some color) ; 29 cm. 

ISBN: 9780241508923, 9780744060065, 0241508924, 0744060060 

Summary: "Take a guided tour through history and discover the most precious, iconic, and celebrated objects ever created. Revered, admired, and protected - every country and culture has certain artefacts that are prized above all others. Cultural Treasures of the World brings together more than 200 of these objects, exploring the fascinating and unique stories behind each of them. From the Bust of Nefertiti to the Benin Bronzes, and the Altamira cave paintings to Van Gogh's Sunflowers, these artefacts and artworks are revered for their beauty, artistry, or historical significance - and often all three at once. Discover how and why they were created, unravel the hidden meanings and symbolism they contain, and learn about the cultural legacy they have left behind. A treasure trove of human creativity that offers a fresh and unforgettable new perspective on civilizations and societies, Cultural Treasures of the World is the perfect gift for gallery- and museum-lovers, and armchair travellers everywhere"--Publisher's description

Timelines of World History

Timelines of World History 

Language: English 

New York: DK Publishing, 2022. 

320 pages : color illustrations, color maps ; 27 cm. 

ISBN: 9780744056273, 9780241515754, 0744056276, 0241515750 

Summary: An illustrated record covering all the major events and achievements in human history. Designed for history aficionados, trivia buffs, or anyone with a curious mind, Timelines of World History takes an innovative approach to the traditional, text-driven style of a date-by-date chronology. Tracing the progress of humanity from the dawn of history to the present day, the book follows major historical events, cultural milestones, the expansions of empires, and the inventions and achievements of civilizations. Important events are cross-referenced with specific dates, important historical figures are profiled, and introductory essays profile what was happening and why. With more than 500 photographs and illustrations and over 25 maps, this is the most authoritative visual chronological record of the last 20,000 years.

The Skateboard: The Good, the Rad, and the Gnarly: An Illustrated History

The Skateboard: The Good, the Rad, and the Gnarly: An Illustrated History 

by Ben Marcus, Lucia Daniella Griggi 

Language: English 

Minneapolis: MVP Books, 2021. 

255 pages : illustrations (some color) ; 29 cm. 

ISBN: 9780760338056, 9781299934771, 0760338051, 1299934773 

Summary: The story of the simple skateboard is part thriller, part underground, underdog success tale. It’s chock-full of innovations, far-out graphic artistry, and ever-more-incredible hot-dogging feats. And the story’s told in this book with contributions from the stars themselves—Tony Hawk, Stacey Peralta, Jeff Ho, the Dogtown Z-Boys, and more. Beautifully illustrated with historical posters, ads, and memorabilia along with new action photography, studio skateboard shots, and unique portraits of the stars, this is a fitting tribute to an American classic.

1000 Skateboards

1000 Skateboards 

by Mackenzie Eisenhour, Grant Brittain 

Language: English 

Paris: La Martinière, 2023. 

255 pages : illustrations (chiefly color); 23 cm. 

ISBN: 9791040112099 

Summary: "A must-have for diehard fans and the perfect introduction for anyone just getting into skateboard culture, this definitive compilation profiles 1,000 boards from old-school classics to famed iconic boards as well as the latest innovations hitting the streets. Covering over seventy years of brands and designers, this is the skateboard bible to inspire both the experienced as well as a rising generation of new thrashers"--Provided by publisher.