Unearth a treasure trove of knowledge on over 130 gemstones from around the world. Learn how gemstones are formed and how to recognize them by their unique qualities and colors. It's a wonderful book for beginners, students and gemstone-enthusiasts that includes the latest scientific research and specimen classification. Handbook of Gemstones is filled with all you need to know about the fascinating world of gemstones -- cut and uncut stones, organic...

Traces the course of human history from prehistoric times to the present day, analyzing the common themes, threads, forces, and factors that have shaped human life--including climate, ecology, disease, and geology--and examining human accomplishments, from the technological innovations that changed the world to key cultural, social, artistic, and intellectual achievements.

Packed with more than 1,000 crystal-clear photographs with precise annotations to make identification easy and accurate. In this fully revised and updated edition, jargon-free text pinpoints the key characteristics of each fossil and provides quick, accessible information.

A field guide to butterflies and moths around the world, each depicted by a full-color photograph with a caption that describes key features and points of differentiation. The Dorling Kindersley handbooks are the most visually appealing guides on the natural world in the book marketplace. Featuring more than 500 full-color illustrations and photographs, along with detailed annotations. Dorling Kindersley Handbooks make identification easy and accurate....

A highly visual introduction explains the basic concepts of astronomy and gives advice on the best methods and equipment for observation, including binoculars and telescopes. Each of the planets in the Solar System is described and illustrated in detail, with images taken from space probes as well as from the ground, showing them as you can expect to see them. More than 160 star charts were made especially for this book by the Royal Greenwich Observatory....