New Releases by Philip Wilkinson

In a series of 50 accessible essays, Philip Wilkinson introduces architectural movements and styles throughout history, as well as describing some of the greatest architects'' most important and representative works. From the Pyramids of Giza to the Guggenheim, the classical orders of Vitruvius to the most recent contemporary trends today, 50 Architecture Ideas You Really Need to Know is a complete introduction to the most important architectural concepts in history.

Although the title makes it sound like a reference book, it is so much more than that. The style of writing is engaging and informative. The layout is attractive, with beautiful illustrations, photos, period paintings, quotes, and interesting inserts on every page. Wilkinson''s history unfolds like a symphonic work with instrument makers, composers and virtuosic performers picking up these incredible creations and exposing their beauty and capability. To open it up is to be instantly hooked. -- Publishers Weekly The 400-year story of music told by the instruments that make an orchestra. The History of Music in Fifty Instruments outlines musical history in well-written nuggets of information. Profiling one instrument at a time, it describes the history of music since the 1700s, when orchestras first took the formal shape familiar to us. The concise text explains the role of each instrument in the orchestra and its importance in the development of music in general. The book lists the 50 instruments chronologically in the woodwind, brass, percussion and string sections of an orchestra. The classic instruments are included -- violin, cello, flute, oboe, clarinet, harp and more. Some instruments reflect the musical period or context in which they were most popular, such as the harpsichord in the Baroque period, and the snare drum in military parades. Among the unusual instruments is the otherworldly theremin. A wide range of modern and archival photographs and paintings show the instruments. Entries outline their historical and country origins and the era in which they were played (e.g. Classical, Modern). Annotated illustrations explain the instrument''s construction, how it is played and tuned, and its musical range. Composers, musical compositions and musicians that highlight the particular instrument are examined. For example, Baroque composer Antonio Vivalidi''s contribution to the violin; inventor Adolphe Sax''s tenacious promotion of his saxophone in the 1840s; and 20th century pianist Glenn Gould''s controversial recordings of Bach''s Goldberg Variations. For musicians, teachers and students, and all who enjoy music, this book is a beautiful and informative tour of the orchestra and beyond.

Delve into the social and cultural history of 100 of the world''s most important cities. From the first towns in Mesopotamia to today''s global metropolises, cities have marked the progress of civilization. Written in the form of illustrated "biographies", Great Cities offers a rich historical overview of each featured city, brought to vivid life with paintings, photographs, timelines, maps, and artefacts. The latest title in the series style of Artists, Writers, Philosophers, and Composers, this lavish book goes under the skin of cities both ancient and modern - from Persepolis and Tikal, Paris and Vienna to Prague, Amsterdam, Tokyo, and Dubai. Which ancient civilization founded the precursor to Mexico City? Why was Venice the gateway to the East? What was the Belle Epoque? Which was the first city to build sewers? Great Cities takes you there, and tells you all this and more. Stunning images of city life and key moments in history are complemented by close-ups of revealing details and feature panels that provide additional context. A book not just about history but also about art, architecture, commerce, and politics, Great Cities provides a fascinating insight into what has shaped the places where we live. Perfect for history, geography, and arts enthusiasts and a stunning gift for armchair explorers of all ages, it is your window into the world''s most fascinating cities.

From lightning-wielding Zeus, the supreme Greek god, to protective Hathor, the Egyptian goddess of love - heroes, gods, and monsters are brought to life in these retellings of myths from around the world. Myths, Legends, and Sacred Stories is a children''s book that invites you to explore all the well-known stories from Greek and Norse mythology, and a range of other cultures across more than 100 tales. Discover the fascinating myths of Anansi, the West African trickster god who takes the form of a spider; the story of the Wawilak Sisters of Arnhem Land in northern Australia, who form the land as they walk across it; or the Slavic tale of Ivan as he chases the mischievous Firebird. Read about ferocious, man-eating monsters such as the Minotaur and Fafnir the dragon, and the legendary heroes that fought them, like Theseus and Sigurd. Also included are the legends of Robin Hood, and of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, epics from Asia, such as the Mahabharata and Gilgamesh, and a host of tales from Aztec mythology and a range of other cultures. As well as offering the retellings themselves, Myths, Legends, and Sacred Stories: a visual encyclopedia investigates the meanings of these primal stories, examining why these tales have stood the test of time over thousands of years. Themed features draw together elements that are common to myths from all over the world, such as shapeshifters, mythical beasts, and magical weapons. Panels on modern retellings, such as Percy Jackson and The Little Mermaid, help to show why these myths are still relevant to our lives today.

Discover Islam--the faith, culture, and history that have shaped the Islamic world. Explore the world''s fastest-growing religion--from the Prophet Muhammad to Ramadan and the Qu''ran. Learn about traditional Islamic dress, feasts, and Islam''s rich tradition of design. Why do Muslims fast? What are the five pillars of Islam? What happens during the pilgrimage to Mecca? How did Islam spread across the world, from Spain to China? Find answers to these questions and more. Read about annual festivals in the Muslim calendar, including Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha. View the layout of a mosque and see Islam''s role in scholarly learning, from astronomy to mathematics and medicine. Learn about the religion''s first conquests and the arms and armor of the Islamic world. Read about Islam''s important figures, including the scholar Avicenna, the explorer Ibn Battuta, and the military leader Saladin. DK Eyewitness Books: Islam is the perfect guide for kids who want to learn about this vibrant religion and culture.

A skyscraper one mile high, a dome covering most of downtown Manhattan, a triumphal arch in the form of an elephant: some of the most exciting buildings in the history of architecture are the ones that never got built. These are the projects in which architects took materials to the limits, explored challenging new ideas, defied conventions, and pointed the way towards the future. Some of them are architectural masterpieces, some simply delightful flights of fancy. It was not usually poor design that stymied them – politics, inadequate funding, or a client who chose a ‘safe’ option rather than a daring vision were all things that could stop a project leaving the drawing board. These unbuilt buildings include the grand projects that acted as architectural calling cards, experimental designs that stretch technology, visions for the future of the city, and articles of architectural faith. Structures likeBuckminster Fuller’s dome over New York or Frank Lloyd Wright’s mile-high tower can seem impossibly daring. But they also point to buildings that came decades later, to the Eden Project and the Shard. Some of those unbuilt wonders are buildings of great beauty and individual form like Etienne-Louis Boullée’s enormous spherical monument to Isaac Newton; some, such as the city plans of Le Corbusier, seem to want to teach us how to live; some, like El Lissitsky’s ‘horizontal skyscrapers’ and Gaudí’s curvaceous New York hotel, turn architectural convention upside-down; some, such as Archigram’s Walking City and Plug-in City, are bizarre and inspiring by turns. All are captured in this magnificently illustrated book.

An original look at history that profiles 30 children from different eras so that children of today can discover the lives of Aztecs, Romans, Vikings, and much more through the eyes of someone their own age. History books often focus on adults, but what was the past like for children? A Child Through Time is historically accurate and thoroughly researched, and brings the children of history to life -from the Ice Age to ancient empires and medieval castles to the Wild West. Packed with facts and inc luding specially commissioned illustrations of the children and the places they lived, this book examines the clothes children wore, the food they ate, the games they played, and the historic moments they witnessed - all through their own eyes. Maps, timelines, and collections of objects, as well as a perspective on the often ignored topic of family life through the ages, give wider historical background and present a unique side to history. Covering key curriculum topics in a new light, A Child Through Time is a perfect and visually stunning learning tool for children ages 7 and up.

In 1978, faced with the pressure to modernize and a declining budget, the Chinese People''s Liberation Army (PLA) reluctantly agreed to join China''s economic reform drive, expanding its internal economy to market-oriented civilian production. This work examines PLA''s role in the economy up to 1998.

A stunning visual guide to the world''s best designs Great Designs is a fascinating overview of the dynamic history of design from the 1860s onwards, tracing the development of modern designs, from sketches and prototypes to the final product. Which technological advancements have pioneered ground-breaking design? How did political struggle in 1930''s Germany inspire modern graphic design? Over 100 of the best modern design ideas are explored and explained, from Bauhaus posters and bubble chairs to the Citroen DS and the iPad. Each iconic design is analysed visually with close up details, and the story behind each piece of work is also revealed. Profiles of influential designers like Ferdinand Porsche and Earl Tupper, workshops and design movements as well as highlights of the characteristic elements of key design styles make this a fantastic visual reference guide. Examining product and industrial design as well as furniture, graphics, and textiles, Great Designs is a magnificent gallery of iconic designs.

DK Readers now have a fresh new look featuring redesigned jackets and interiors, and up-to-date vocabulary throughout! Stunning photographs combine with lively illustrations and engaging age-appropriate stories in DK Readers, a multi-level reading program guaranteed to capture children''s interest while developing their reading skills and general knowledge. With DK Readers, children learn to read — then read to learn!

Profiles twenty of the world''s greatest buildings, providing for each the story of its construction, a visual analysis, and an explanation of key architectural features, and offers a chronological history of architecture.

The Infinity Series establishes a new benchmark for quality and innovation in illustrated reference books for older children. With its inventive, multi-faceted approach to individual subjects, it delivers an absorbing, exhilarating learning experience that will capture the attention of even the most reluctant reader.

Frank Lloyd Wright was the greatest American architect of the 20th century. During a long life he designed many of the most striking and iconic buildings in the USA - structures such as Fallingwater, a house poised above a waterfall in rural Pennsylvania, the Unity Temple, the USA''s first all-concrete public building, and New York''s amazing, spiral-shaped Guggenheim Museum. One of the most remarkable innovators in the history of architecture, Wright produced some of the most revolutionary buildings - breathtaking prairie houses, the Johnson Wax company headquarters with its Pyrex glazing and stunning mushroom columns, his own canvas-roofed desert home and office. Wright was a technological innovator too, pioneering inventions such as double-glazing, sound-absorbing office furniture, and prefabricated office partitions. But Wright did not pursue the new for its own sake. All his work is underpinned by a belief system: that buildings should be at one with their environment, that their form should grow from the needs of the client, and that site, floor plan, structural materials, and the use of the building should be in harmony. Wright called this set of ideas organic architecture, and both the philosophy and the buildings it produced are as inspiring now as they were when Wright was alive and working. This book showcases fifty of Wright''s most important projects. It covers buildings throughout his whole career, from the house he built for himself in Oak Park, Illinois in 1889 to the landmark structures of his final years like the Beth Sholom Synagogue and the Guggenheim Museum. The projects include a handful of influential buildings that are no longer standing, such as the masterly Larkin Company Building and the Imperial Hotel Tokyo, as a tribute to designs that still fascinate architects and others who follow the work of this inspiring American master. Brief opening and closing chapters outline the architect''s life and describe his wide influence, which, with his emphasis on architecture and environment, is as relevant as ever today.

A reference book for modern kids and teens that presents fun information about history, science, nature, geography, and culture.

Myths and legends are deeply rooted in the world''s literature, language, and history. But what does the phrase "Achilles heel" refer to, and what did Oedipus or Beowulf actually do? Gather round for enthralling stories of gods, danger, heroes, and great cosmic events. With over 1000 illustrations, Myths and Legends explores epic global stories, bringing to life the greatest creation myths of all time, such as that of Brahma and Vishnu, and the Inca god Viracocha. It brings you monstrous creatures and terrifying people including the witch Baba Yaga, as well as epic adventures such as King Arthur''s search for the Holy Grail and Jason''s capture of the Golden Fleece. It tells how the Masai first got their cattle, or how the Greeks discovered fire and shares legends that explain death, including the story of the Maori god Tane. Originally passed down from one generation to the next, these sagas from all over the world are part of our heritage and touch our hearts. Myths and Legends provides context and meaning to each one, and is a treasure trove for everyone interested in their cultural legacy.

This user-friendly guide to English architecture up to the mid-twentieth century is divided into styles with examples highlighted (e.g. the Tower of London for Norman Architecture), complemented by original prints which sets this quality book apart from other guides. The detailed 18th and 19th century (and later) prints enable the reader to understand just what makes these styles so important and have the advantage of being much clearer than much modern photography. Written by architecture expert Philip Wilkinson, this is a must-read book for anyone who wants to know about English architecture in a pocket-size guide, ideal for reading when traveling.

A look at the life, death, and continuing influence of Joan of Arc.

"Mary Shelley''s gothic tale is the world''s most famous work of horror fiction. The story concerns Victor Frankenstein, whose obsession with fashioning a new being leads him to create a pathetic, but monstrous creature--an act that has terrifying consequences."--P. [4] of cover.

Uses the latest computer technology to generate regional and continental maps which provides, in this volume, an excellent reference tool for home and school.

Originally told to explain the mysteries of the world—such as creation, divine will, fertility, death, and love—myths are a major part of many cultures throughout the world, and each area has its own myths. Organized by geographic region, each myth is placed within the civilization’s history and context. The key elements of world mythology, such as the hero, his divine connection, the labyrinth, the initiation, and the transformation,are explored in boxes and features throughout the book. Philip Wilkinson has more than 50 titles to his credit in the fields of mythology, history, and the arts, including DK’s Illustrated Dictionaries of Mythology and Religions. Neil Philip is the author of many books on folklore and mythology, including The Illustrated Book of Myths and Myths and Legends Explained. Synopses of the great myths that have inspired human creativity from antiquity to the present Covers mythology around the globe, from the classic Greek to lesser known Malaysian Catalogs of gods by subject enable comparisons of distant civilizations

A study of the allocation of state and public financial resources in the Russian Federation. Among the problems documented are the very high differentiation of the regions in terms of level of development, public welfare and self-sufficiency; and inefficiencies in the taxation system.

Includes insights into the lives of the current royal family Britain''s heritage told through the colourful lives of its kings and queens The monarchy is at the heart of British life. If you''re going to understand Britain and its history, you need to understand the story of its royal family. This lively guide walks you through the history of the British monarchy from the earliest times to the present day and covers the colourful characters, extraordinary events, power struggles, and politics that have shaped one of the most famous institutions in the world. Discover The origins of the British monarchy How the monarchy works The relationship between the royal family and the general public How the role of the monarch has changed over time What the monarch and the rest of the royal family do all day

"Creation stories, Gods, Heroes, Monsters, Mythical places"--Cover.

This is the most comprehensive single volume on English architecture for the general reader. It is a visual cornucopia and a tribute to the diversity of the English built environment, which is among the richest and most diverse in the world. Over 700 buildings are described and illustrated, and they range from the architectural icons to the less noticeable but equally fascinating buildings of England''s towns and villages.

This best-selling Race & Ethnic Relations text is grounded in a socio-historical perspective with engaging stories and first person accounts.Racial and Ethnic Groups,Census Update, 12/e, helps students understand the changing dynamics of the U.S. population. By using a socio-historical perspective, the author frames issues by examining our history, exploring the current situation, and discussing the concerns for the future.

The latest Restoration television series aims to kickstart the lives of villages in decline by restoring and reinventing the role of a building that was once a key player at the heart of village life. This book features the chosen buildings and follows their story from selection to the final plans for restoration.

The World of Ships is divided into four section--Trade and Discovery, Ships of War, Peopling the World, and Discovering Ships. Each section includes several page spreads focusing on specific themes and topics related to ships and seafaring. A glossary and an index are also included to build vocabulary and research skills.

A shy, serious boy, Mahatma Gandhi would later lead India to nationhood and change the course of history. After studying law in London, he championed Indian rights in South Africa for two decades. He returned to India in 1914, leading a campaign of nonviolent protest and civil disobedience against British rule. Philip Wilkinson''s lively narrative takes us through his remarkable life, up to India''s independence in 1947, and the tragic conclusion; in 1948 Gandhi was assassinated by a fanatic opposed to his program of tolerance for all creeds and religions.

Long de 6 300 km, le Yang-tseu-kiang traverse la Chine de part en part. Comme la Chine elle-même, il est immense, varié et mystérieux. Il naît dans les montagnes du Tibet où les glaciers gouttent et suintent pour créer un réseau de ruisseaux glacés qui se rejoignent et forment ce que les Chinois appellent simplement le Yangzi jiang, le Long Fleuve. Il serpente et cascade au travers de quelques-uns des paysages les plus spectaculaires au monde - montagnes escarpées, gorges étroites et rapides tourbillonnants - puis traverse les plaines fécondes de la Chine orientale, enrichies par ses fréquentes crues. L''ouvrage suit le cours fascinant de ce fleuve qui a tant intrigué les Chinois comme les étrangers. Il présente la faune et la flore sauvages uniques de ses berges, des rhododendrons aux éblouissants coloris au dauphin de Chine, l''animal le plus menacé de ses eaux. Il décrit les activités - pêche, agriculture ou commerce - qui font vivre des millions de riverains. Il examine le rôle du fleuve à certains tournants de l''histoire de la Chine, telles les guerres de la période des Trois Royaumes, la révolte Taiping ou la Longue Marche de Mao et de ses alliés communistes. Enfin, il s''interroge sur l''évolution actuelle et sur les défis que doit relever le fleuve aujourd''hui. Le plus grand projet de génie civil au monde, la construction du barrage des Trois-Gorges, est presque terminé. Le gouvernement chinois espère que ce gigantesque barrage maîtrisera les crues du fleuve, qu''il ouvrira le cours supérieur à la navigation et qu''il produira de l''énergie hydroélectrique. Les opposants dénoncent la destruction de l''environnement, les coûts humains et les risques énormes du projet. Magnifiquement illustré de photographies et de cartes spécialement créées pour cet ouvrage, Yang-tseu-kiang décrit le fleuve à un moment crucial de sa longue et passionnante histoire.