Most Popular Books by The Editors of Life

Let''s talk about Mary. Not everyone needs a brother or sister or savior, or accepts that a savior has arrived historically or will do so one day. But everyone once had a mother. We all need the mother figure, and if any confirmation of this basic fact is required, it lies in the great respect shown "Mary" or "Miriam" by other religions. Jesus does not necessarily figure as a vessel of salvation for Muslims and Jews, but He is held in high regard, and the young woman who gave birth to Him and raised Him is praised. Whoever she was, she must have been substantial, smart and strong. She must have been a fine mother.

In 2018, when both Mick and Keith turn 75, celebrate one of the greatest Rock ''n'' Roll bands of all time in the LIFE special collector''s edition, The Rolling Stones.

A moneygrubbing Nazi who spent his fortune saving Jews, a Bon Marche perfume seller who became a British spy, a Polish priest who gave his life so that another man could live. These are just a few of the ordinary people who became extraordinary heroes - on and off the battlefields of World War II.

LIFE celebrates the 75th birthday of renowned musician Sir Paul McCartney.

The editors of LIFE Magazine present The Godfather.

Walt Disney spent his life dreaming impossible dreams, and achieved the most impossible dream of all - the amusement park to end all amusement parks: Disneyland!

Join the editors of LIFE Magazine as they revisit the 1960s.

LIFE Magazine presents a tribute to Fleetwood Mac.

In the late 1940s, perhaps the greatest archeological find of modern times occurred when Bedouin shepherds unearthed mysterious scrolls in a cave near the Dead Sea, just south of Jerusalem. These documents turned out to be manuscripts-some of them biblical-reflecting the beliefs of a vanished Jewish sect that fled Jerusalem during the time of Christ. But what was the connection between the documents and the ruins of an abandoned nearby settlement known as Qumran? Like some holy, historical cross between Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Da Vinci Code, LIFE''s book follows the race to unearth-and decode-the many other manuscripts hidden in the desert caves.

Revisit an era when intimacy between celebrities and journalists was revealing and genuine. In this all-new special edition from LIFE, Hidden Hollywood: Rare Images of a Golden Age, you will gain access to the world of classic Hollywood luminaries in various settings including "Before They Were Famous," "Behind the Scenes," "At Home Alone" and more. Gain access to the world of classic Hollywood luminaries including Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Jack Nicholson and so many more when they were on set, in their homes, amidst their love affairs and with their families and friends. With essays that enhance the stunning photography to lend them both a sense of time and place and anecdotes revealing little-known facts about some of the most enduring stars of our time, Hidden Hollywood makes for compulsive reading and viewing of an age where reality TV did not exist.

LIFE Magazine remembers John Lennon, 75 years later.

LIFE covered just as vividly as the war in Southeast Asia, was waged on the campuses and at the conventions. In addition, Larry Burrows — the late father-in-law of LIFE Books'' current Director of Photography — was the first photographer to document a war primarily in color, because LIFE had figured out how to accommodate more color pages with the new printing methods of the 1960s. The pictures are as arresting today as they were in their time, and all of that photography will be here in this stunning, commemorative volume. This special book will also include new interviews with veterans, a special photo essay on the history of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, a pictorial report on unified Vietnam today, a revisiting of LIFE''s editorial treatment of the war, an account of legendary photographers (Burrows, Robert Capa) lost during the era in Southeast Asia (including a reminiscence by Burrows''s son, Russell, and daughter-in-law, LIFE''s own Bobbi Baker Burrows), a report on the other photographs that made history (Eddie Adams''s execution shot, Nick Ut''s "Napalm Girl," including Joe McNally''s revisit with the grown woman in Canada, exclusively for LIFE).

The editors of LIFE Magazine present LIFE Jesus.

Celebrating the release of Walt Disney''s much-anticipated live-action version of the beloved 1991 animated feature, LIFE delivers the fascinating story behind the fairy tale itself-from its hidden origins as an ancient, sometimes bawdy story told by firesides (did you know the beast was once depicted as a pig?) to its later incarnations as a Brothers Grimm tale, a classic French film, a hit television series-even an opera. Culminating in a behind-the-scenes look at the new musical starring Emma Watson, this is an enchanting look at the enduring power of a story that began "Once upon a time..."

The editors of LIFE Magazine present Woodstock at 50.

LIFE takes you on a beautiful tour of some of the world''s most exquisite and exotic natural settings. We travel to the canyons of Kauai and the white-sand beaches of Australia''s Gold Coast. LIFE Paradise Found includes the work of some of the world''s most accomplished travel photographers, accompanied by inspiring, poetic text.

He will always be the King Celebrate the King of Rock ''n'' Roll with this keepsake biography of Elvis Presley, lavishly illustrated with dozens of historic photos, including many from the archives of Life magazine. A detailed timeline traces Elvis''s life from when he received his first guitar to his glory days filled with recording, acting and gyrating for shrieking fans, to his great ''68 comeback comeback, and right up to his untimely death in 1977. Intimate photojournalism combines with insightful text to reveal Elvis behind the scenes . . . at Graceland and on the road, with Priscilla and Lisa Marie, in front of the cameras, and on the stage. Explore the days of "Heartbreak Hotel," "Don''t Be Cruel," "Blue Suede Shoes," "Jailhouse Rock," "Love Me Tender," "Blue Christmas" and so many other unforgettable hits. It''s now or never-so you should probably pick up your copy today.

Life Magazine presents The World''s Most Haunted Places.

Today, superheroes are more popular than ever, with action-packed movies, TV shows, comic books, graphic novels, and other genres celebrating themThe craft has become more sophisticated, the stories more intricate, with the entire art-form now elevated and celebrated. For as long as characters such as Batman, Wonder Woman, Spider-Man, Thor, Captain America, etc. have been a part of popular culture, the oldest "modern" superhero is only just over 80 years old, that being Superman. Now, in a new Special Edition from LIFE, Rise of the Superhero, which includes an introduction by the legendary Stan Lee, the editors of LIFE trace the superhero phenomenon from its earliest days, then explores the superheroes of today, through historical and current photographs and entertaining text. Essays place the evolution of various superheroes throughout the context of world events through each decade, antiheroes are explored, and the technology that has been used to create the movies and comic books - and influenced the stories - is explained, giving the reader a complete and concise history of the genre. An exclusive bonus showcases the great Adam West, the original TV Batman, with little-seen photos. Celebrate the history of great superheroes with this keepsake collectible.

This beautiful LIFE Special Edition, commemorating the 75th anniversary of Casablanca, is filled with timeless photos of Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains, Dooley Wilson, and other stars of the iconic wartime romance. Go on set and behind the scenes with these memorable images and with compelling, insightful text. Learn about the making of the film that changed the industry, and discover the stories of the actors and creators of the movie-many of whom were refugees from Hitler''s oppression, lending authenticity to the film. By delving into enduring moments and lines like "Play it, Sam" and "We''ll always have Paris" and "As Time Goes By" and "Here''s looking at you, kid," LIFE: Casablanca provides an intimate and inspiring look at one of Hollywood''s greatest achievements. Plus: a special look at Casablanca''s cultural impact today.

Commemorating the centennial of JFK''s birth on May 29, 2017, LIFE presents John F. Kennedy: The Legacy, a 100-Year Commemorative Edition. Featuring both rarely seen archival photographs and classic images, the book reflects the lasting influence of the president who helped avert nuclear holocaust, advanced the cause of civil rights, and put America on the moon. Not least, it offers an intimate glimpse of the man-father, husband and son-who was cut down in his prime but whose "one brief shining moment" left a powerful and enduring impression.

First Man on the Moon: His Life and Legacy "That''s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind." When Neil Armstrong placed his booted foot on the lunar surface, he took what was already conceived as a transcendent moment in a tumultuous time and, unbelievably, he elevated it. He wasn''t just an astronaut, and it wasn''t just about science, the space race with the Russians, or any other one thing. It was about possibility, and joy. Neil Armstrong, the new special edition from the editors of LIFE, tells the story of a legendary pilot that risked everything, alongside a brave team of astronauts and NASA engineers, to achieve the impossible. You''ll learn all about the space race, and how Houston''s finest made good on President John F. Kennedy''s promise to reach the moon by the end of the 1960s. About the immense sacrifices-both in time spent and lives lost-the number of missions, and the number of failures before the ultimate success of the Apollo 11 landing. Plus: TIME senior writer Jeffrey Kluger stops by to regale us with a tale of the time he spent with Armstrong, and we take a peek behind the curtain at the new Oscar-nominated film based on the American hero''s life, First Man. LIFE''s Neil Armstrong is a must-have for the adventurer in your life, and a totemic reminder that when we put our minds to it, anything is possible.

Remembering the iconic star through intimate photos and essays More than fifty years after her death, Marilyn Monroe remains as famous as ever. Rediscover the screen legend with dozens of intimate photos from the archives of LIFE magazine. Insightful text reveals Monroe''s journey from Norma Jeane to international star and American icon. Includes special access to the famous "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" performance for John F. Kennedy as well as the more than 30 movie roles that made her an icon. Some Like It Hot . . . The Seven-Year Itch . . . Gentlemen Prefer Blondes . . . The Misfits . . . these classic movies and her performances in them made her one of Hollywood''s most glamorous stars. Her personal life, with marriages to Arthur Miller and Joe DiMaggio, and rumored affairs with John F. Kennedy and Bobby Kennedy, made her fascinating. LIFE Remembering Marilyn lets readers see Monroe''s remarkable life both in front of the cameras and behind the scenes.

Cats, the new special edition from LIFE, takes an in-depth look at the world''s most popular pet, the only domesticated animal that remains almost as wild as its ancient ancestors, which might explain why they rarely do what we want them to do or as we expect them to do. Cats looks at the history of the house cat, secrets of cat behavior, and what you''ve always wondered: what exactly do cats do all day long when we''re away at work or at school? Plus, the historic animosity between cats and dogs-how much is true, how much is manufactured? We also look at "miracle cats," adoption success stories, and this special edition features lots of great pictures of (what else?) cats.

A generation ago, hidebound royal traditions would have prevented Prince Harry from marrying his love, Meghan Markle, a divorced American actress. But times are changing, even at Buckingham Palace. Celebrate this new chapter as well as the historic marriages of the British Royal family in this special edition, LIFE Royal Weddings.

Mini-state, magnificent museum, nerve center of a globe-girdling church, the Vatican is a magnet for millions of people every year. LIFE''s cameras capture the opulence, and the spirituality. Learn more about: The Popes who reigned there: the good, the great and the bad. The treasure trove that is the Vatican Museum The Sistine Chapel: Michelangelo''s storied ceiling before and after its restoration The new world of Pope Francis

The editors of LIFE Magazine present: LIFE D-Day.

LIFE Magazine presents LIFE Frankenstein.

LIFE Magazine remembers Nirvana''s Kurt Cobain.

The story of the 27 club is a one of brilliance: precious, fragile, and amazing to behold. Six musical artists who all happened to die at the same early age-27-did more than perform memorable songs: They expressed ideas and emotions that were shared by enthralled followers from their generations and beyond. The stories of these luminous artist lead to tragic ends. But the lives they led were transformative-to music, to culture, and to countless lives.In Gone Too Soon: The 27 Club, LIFE pulls you into the brief and explosive lives of musicians Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain, and Amy Winehouse through photographs and interviews. Read how Hendrix uniquely mashed together blues and rock into a paisley-patterned kaleidoscope of sound, look at images of Cobain''s infamous MTV Unplugged special and much more. The legacy of these artists still lives and breathes onstage, embodied by musicians who looked to these icons for inspiration.

The truth about espionage goes much deeper than the Bond types that fill our big screen. Mary Queen of Scots, the Man in the Iron Mask, Mata Hari, the Enigma machine, the CIA, Watergate, and WikiLeaks: Spies and spying have rewritten human history and now affect how we all live. With sections on codes and cryptography, moles and double agents, wiretapping, detectives, and even the age-old art of seduction, this fascinating book reveals the true stories of the bold spies who-whether motivated by patriotism, greed, or a love of adventure-risked everything. Rare and remarkable photos from the archives of LIFE magazine, plus illuminating text, make this a compelling read for anyone with an interest in the practiced-and powerful-art of deception.

The editors of LIFE Magazine present Mary Poppins Returns.

The aura around the royal family is vastly different than it was in years and decades past. Now, 20 years after the death of the transformative Princess Diana, today''s generation of royals are active and engaged, using the power of their position to advance causes for the good of the community. Prince William and Prince Harry, inspired by the example set by their mother, have embraced charities and causes that include mental health and aid wounded veterans. Kate Middleton and her children, little Prince George and Princess Charlotte, are out and about, visible in ways that royals never were before. This is the world that Kate and William''s newest child-she is due in early 2018-will enter. The new royals are still glamorous, and now they are more inspiring than ever. LIFE The New Royals highlights the young generations of Windsors with glowing photographs of them, as well as archival photographs of Charles, Diana, the Queen and more, along with rich and thoughtful reporting on one of the world''s best-known families. This special edition also includes a family tree of the Windsors and a section on the new generations of royals throughout the world. Packed with dozens of unforgettable images, including the wedding of William and Kate and the latest adorable antics of their children, this is a memorable keepsake for royal watchers everywhere.

In 1922, archaeologist Howard Carter uncovered the mythological King Tutankhamun''s Egyptian tomb and the many magnificent artifacts contained therein, and ever since, the world has clamored for a firsthand look. This ornately illustrated volume shares the real-time narrative of Carter''s historic expedition in photographs - and much more. Highlights include: The true story of King Tut, as told by today''s historians Photographs of the beautiful treasures uncovered from the tomb A definitive guide to all the renditions of King Tut in movies and on TV

One hundred years ago, a ship thought to be indestructible suffered the ill fate to strike an iceberg during its maiden voyage across the North Atlantic. The unthinkable occurred, and the Titanic went to the bottom. What happened on that cold and inky night has haunted and entranced us ever since. Goodness knows, there have been other disasters-far too many disasters. But as the initial reception to Titanic, the most popular movie ever, just now being re-released in 3-D, proves: There has never been a disaster that so captivates the human imagination as that of the sinking of the Titanic. Now, on the 100th anniversary of "the night to remember," LIFE revisits this awesome human drama. Heroism is involved, and hubris. Romance and recrimination. A thousand stories spiraling outward-and all of them told in this commemorative LIFE book, in words and pictures. This oversized, deluxe book is visually splendid and exciting on every page. It includes archival photography, past reporting in LIFE and the modern-day explorations of Robert Ballard and others that inspired the James Cameron film. The book will include a special section on the new 3-D treatment of the classic movie, just now being released. We return to first-person accounts, and the words of the survivors are brought to life-with many small stories from steerage told as well as the large, well-known drama from above decks. The book will also include interstitial chapters to lend context, such as a history of famous shipwrecks, and where the Titanic fits in the grand picture. At the end of the story, the fact we entered with is inescapable: The Titanic tragedy is the one we care about, and need to revisit.

From his youth as the leader of rebels to his years as president and elder statesman of South Africa, Nelson Mandela changed the world through his messages of peace and reconciliation. Rediscover the amazing journey of this inspiring leader in LIFE Nelson Mandela—a photographic biography and Special Edition featuring unforgettable images and insightful text from the editors of LIFE. Follow Mandela throughout his lifelong fight against apartheid and injustice, his 27 years of imprisonment at Robben Island and Pollsmoor, and his triumphant victories as both the first democratically elected president of South Africa and as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Dozens of historical photographs show him as a resistance leader with the African National Congress, at his trials, during his time in prison, and in his later years with other world leaders, including Bill Clinton and Desmond Tutu, just to name a few. For decades, readers have turned to LIFE to see, understand, and remember the most important events and people of our time. Let Nelson Mandela show you the remarkable life of an enduring symbol of hope and equality.

Celebrate the Queen Elizabeth''s 65 years with the crown in this special collector''s edition of LIFE Queen Elizabeth: Britain''s Longest Reigning Monarch.

LIFE magazine tours exotic and unique places around the world.