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

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

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

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

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.

Spray Nation: 1980s NYC Graffiti Photos

Spray Nation: 1980s NYC Graffiti Photos 

by Martha Cooper 

Language: English 

Munich: Prestel Verlag, 2022. 

288 pages : chiefly color illustrations ; 20 x 31 cm.

ISBN: 9783791388748, 3791388746 

Summary: "Spray Nation is a dynamic collection of hundreds of previously unpublished images taken in the 1980s by renowned photographer Martha Cooper. Her rare photos, including tags, portraits, action shots, walls and painted subway cars, capture the golden age of graffiti and its practitioners at a time when few people were paying attention"--Page 4 of cover

The Fashion Book

The Fashion Book 

Language: English 

London: Phaidon, 2022. 

583 pages : chiefly illustrations (chiefly color), portraits (chiefly color) ; 30 cm. 

ISBN: 9781838665708, 1838665706 

Summary: Fully revised and updated for 2022, this new edition of Phaidon's iconic global bestseller The Fashion Book takes a fresh look at the fashion world and the people who created and inspired it. Spanning almost 200 years, the entire industry is represented: from designers to photographers, stylists, and retailers, as well as editors and creative directors. Marking significant changes on the fashion landscape, this revised edition features important new names who have fundamentally shaped the way we see fashion in recent years, alongside fashion pioneers of the previous edition. This bestselling - and now updated - classic volume remains a comprehensive and definitive view of the fashion industry today.

Reviews: Library Journal

LEGO in focus : explore the miniature world of LEGO photography

LEGO in focus : explore the miniature world of LEGO photography 

by Tormod Askildsen 

Language: English 

San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 2022. 

160 pages : illustrations (chiefly color) ; 23 x 25 cm.

ISBN: 9781797217604, 1797217607 

Summary: "LEGO® In Focus celebrates the boundless creativity of LEGO play through stunning brick and minifigure photography. Look through the lens of 50 toy photographers as they imagine the world from a LEGO point of view"-- Provided by publisher

Sneakers : over 300 classics from rare vintage to the latest kicks

Sneakers : over 300 classics from rare vintage to the latest kicks 

by Neal Heard 

Language: English 

London: Welbeck, 2022. 

480 pages : illustrations ; 15 x 23 cm. 

ISBN: 9781802790993, 1802790993 

Summary: This comprehensive, illustrated edition of Sneakers spans over 300 shoes, exploring the stories behind some of the world's most iconic shoes, while also giving advice on shoe care and maintenance.

Ugly-Cute: What Misunderstood Animals Can Teach Us About Life

Ugly-Cute: What Misunderstood Animals Can Teach Us About Life

by Jennifer McCartney 

Language: English 

London: HarperCollinsPublishers, 2022. 

223 pages : color illustrations ; 20 cm. 

ISBN: 9780008527051, 0008527059 

Summary: "Ugly-Cute is an adorkable compilation of misunderstood, underappreciated species including well-known lovable uggos, like sun bears and pugs, as well as obscure weirdos, like the star-nosed mole and the aye-aye. Each chapter is dedicated to a different ugly-cute animal and the ways in which we can learn from them." -- Publisher marketing

Into the Forest: The Secret Language of Trees

Into the Forest: The Secret Language of Trees 

by Susan Tyler Hitchcock 

Language: English 

Washington, D.C.: National Geographic, 2022. 

349 pages : color illustrations ; 23 cm. 

ISBN: 9781426218903, 1426218907 

Summary: "For millennia, trees have offered renewal and inspiration. They have provided for humanity on every level, from spiritual sanctuary to the raw material for our homes, books, and food. In this beautiful and revealing book, National Geographic combines legendary photography with cutting-edge science to illuminate exactly how trees influence the life of planet Earth--from our personal lives to the weather cycle. Beautifully illustrated essays tell the stories of the world's most remarkable trees, from Tane Mahura in New Zealand, the ancient Maori "lord of the forest," to Pando, a single aspen spreading over 100 acres: Earth's largest living thing. You'll also discover how an astronaut carried tree seeds to the moon and back; the reason "microdosing" on tree gas is a sure way to boost your immune system; and why playing in the dirt boosts serotonin, the happiness hormone"--Amazon

Reviews: Booklist

The Science of Plants: Inside Their Secret World

The Science of Plants: Inside Their Secret World 

Language: English 

New York, NY: DK/Penguin Random House, 2022. 

440 pages : color illustrations ; 31 cm. 

ISBN: 9780744048438, 0744048435 

Summary: "Explore the intricate inner workings of the plant kingdom--where seeds become shoots, and flowers become fruits--with this spectacular introduction to botany and how plants work. Stunning photography and engaging text combine to explain the intimate secrets of both the familiar and exotic, from roses and lilies to rainforest orchids, mangroves, and cacti. Discover how plants in scorching deserts, on frozen mountain peaks, and along coastal shores adapt to the challenging conditions in which they grow. Learn how roots and leaves provide food and energy, and how plants deploy extraordinary strategies to protect their precious resources from animals and insects--from bristly stems, thorny branches, and sticky resin to chemical messages designed to attract help from other creatures. Chapters on roots, stems and branches, leaves, flowers, and seeds and fruits ensure that every part of the plant is thoroughly explored. Meet plants with leaves that eat meat, flowers that use color and scent to communicate with their pollinators, and trees that withstand hurricanes, as well as seeds and fruits designed to travel phenomenal distances to fertile ground. To complete the picture, there is a detailed catalog of more than 70 significant plant families--from onions and orchids to tree ferns, horsetails, and club mosses--together with a full list of all the families in the plant kingdom."-- Source other than the Library of Congress

Paleontology: An Illustrated History

Paleontology: An Illustrated History 

by David Bainbridge 

Language: English 

Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2022. 

256 pages : illustrations (chiefly color), maps (some color) ; 25 cm.

ISBN: 9780691220925, 0691220921 

Summary: "An illustrated look at the art and science of paleontology from its origins to today. Humans have been stumbling upon the petrified remains of ancient animals since prehistoric times, leading to tales of giant dogs, deadly dragons, tree gods, sea serpents, and all manner of strange and marvelous creatures. In this richly illustrated book, David Bainbridge recounts how legends like these gradually gave rise to the modern science of paleontology, and how this pioneering discipline has reshaped our view of the natural world. Bainbridge takes readers from ancient Greece to the eighteenth century, when paleontology began to coalesce into the scientific field we know today, and discusses how contemporary paleontologists use cutting-edge technologies to flesh out the discoveries of past and present. He brings to life the stories and people behind some of the greatest fossil finds of all time, and explains how paleontology has long straddled the spheres of science and art. Bainbridge also looks to the future of the discipline, discussing how the rapid recovery of DNA and other genetic material from the fossil record promises to revolutionize our understanding of the origins and evolution of ancient life. This panoramic book brings together stunning illustrations ranging from early sketches and engravings to eye-popping paleoart and high-tech computer reconstructions"--Publisher's description

Seeing Science: The Art of Making the Invisible Visible

Seeing Science: The Art of Making the Invisible Visible 

by Jack Challoner 

Language: English 

Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press, 2022. 

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

ISBN: 9780262544351, 0262544350 

Summary: Demonstrates the power of images to represent the unseeable, offering visualizations of science that range from the microscopic to the incredibly vast. With more than 200 color images and a text by science writer Jack Challoner, this volume explains and illustrates the techniques by which scientists create visualizations of their discoveries. We see the first detection of a black hole as represented by an image from an Xray telescope, get a direct view of DNA through an electron microscope, and much more. Visualizations are also used to make sense of an avalanche of data--concisely presenting information from the 20,000 or so human genes, for example. Scientists represent complex theories in computer models, which take on a curious beauty of their own. And scientists and artists collaborate to create art from science visualizations, with intriguing results. -- Provided by publisher

Reviews: Isis: A Journal of the History of Science in Society

Weather : a force of nature : spectacular images from Weather Photographer of the Year

Weather : a force of nature : spectacular images from Weather Photographer of the Year 

Language: English 

Richmond Hill, Ontario: Firefly Books, 2022. 

192 pages : color illustrations; 26 cm. 

ISBN: 9780228103943, 0228103940 

Summary: "These are the most powerful and dramatic images from the Weather Photographer of the Year competition, an annual contest held by The Royal Meteorological Society." -- Provided by publisher

The Natural World Close-Up

The Natural World Close-Up 

by Giles Sparrow 

Language: English 

Richmond Hill, Ont.: Firefly Books, 2011. 

319 p. : ill. (chiefly col.) ; 20 x 26 cm. 

ISBN: 9781554079247, 1554079241 

Summary: "The Natural World Close-up is an incredible journey through the wondrous diversity, complexity and majesty of the natural world as seen through the glass of a super-magnifying lens. More than 300 extraordinary close-up photographs reveal the intimate details of nature's most remarkable creations. These are the closest views that technology will allow. Spectacular high-magnification images zoom in on the most amazing details of plants, animals and natural features of our planet. Like a moving zoom lens, the subject is viewed closer and closer until it no longer resembles the familiar subject first shown. Concise, informative text accompanies the book's photographs. Leafy sea dragons, poison arrow frogs, leaf stomata, fern spores, quartz crystals, metamorphic rocks, glacier ice, rainbows -- the world will never again appear the same. Ideal for all nature lovers, conservationists, wildlife watchers and zoologists, this stunning visual reference is perfect for revealing the beauty and diversity of the natural world"--The publisher

Reviews: Onearth; Earth

Beautiful news : positive trends, uplifting stats, creative solutions

Beautiful news : positive trends, uplifting stats, creative solutions 

by David McCandless 

Language: English 

New York: Harper Design, 2022. 

243 pages : color illustrations, color maps ; 26 cm. 

ISBN: 9780062188243, 0062188240 

Summary: "In this fascinating follow-up to the bestselling Information is Beautiful and Knowledge is Beautiful, the king of infographics David McCandless uses spectacular visuals to give us all a bit of good news. We are living in the Information Age, in which we are constantly bombarded with data - on television, in print and online. How can we relate to this mind-numbing overload? Enter David McCandless and his amazing infographics: simple, elegant ways to understand information too complex or abstract to grasp any way but visually. In his unique signature style, he creates dazzling displays that blend facts with their connections, contexts and relationships, making information meaningful, entertaining - and beautiful. In his highly anticipated third book, McCandless illustrates positive news from around the world, for an informative, engaging and uplifting collection of new infographic art"--Publisher's description

Reviews: Library Journal