Books in A World of series

“Essential reading for anyone who wishes to make sense of the complex . . . world of contemporary art photography.” ―Picture Professional In the 21st century photography has come of age as a contemporary art form. Nearly two centuries after photographic technology was first invented, the art world has fully embraced it as a legitimate medium, equal in status to painting and sculpture. This book provides an introduction to contemporary art-photography, identifying its most important features and themes and celebrating its exciting pluralism through an overview of its most important and innovative practitioners. The work of nearly 250 photographers is reproduced, from established artists such as Isa Genzken, Jeff Wall, Sophie Calle, Thomas Demand, Nan Goldin, and Sherrie Levine to emerging talents such Walead Beshty, Jason Evans, Lucas Blalock, Sara VanDerBeek, and Viviane Sassen.This new edition brings the story of contemporary art photography up to date with a revised introduction outlining the evolution of photography from documentary tool to art form, and an updated final chapter focusing on the younger generation of artists who emphasize the technical and material properties of photography, employ it as part of a wider pan-media practice, or respond to evolving new modes of dissemination in the digital age. 249 illustrations, 212 in color

From Morse code to the bones in the human body, this visually stunning collection of facts and figures puts a world of information at your fingertips.How much do clouds weigh? Who invented the pencil? How many ways can you tie a knot? Discover the answers to these and many other questions in this elegant and absorbing miscellany of general knowledge. From music notation to Roman numerals and from the skeleton to the solar system, essential facts are brought to life by stylish infographics and fascinating commentary. Perfect for all ages, this book is sure to amuse and intrigue even the most curious minds.

An essential compendium of some of the most world-changing discoveries and inventions of all time, from the first use of money to antibiotics and artificial intelligence.In a stylish miscellany, celebrated author Richard Platt and printmaker James Brown travel through time to showcase the amazing breakthroughs in science and technology that have changed our lives forever. From the wheel to the telephone to the Internet, human history is studded with innovations that have changed our world. Each bold, bright, and beautiful infographic is complete with engaging and easy-to-understand explanations. A follow-up to international bestseller A World of Information and its companion, A World of Cities, this book covers thirty groundbreaking discoveries and is perfect for inquiring minds of all ages.

From the lights of Paris to the cherry blossoms of Tokyo, the world is yours to explore in this comprehensive tour of thirty dazzling cities across the globe.Visit places you have only dreamed of in an elegant celebration of cities around the world. From Shanghai, Berlin, and Cairo to Seoul, Delhi, and Rome, explore each locale by way of bold illustrations and unlock a miscellany of intriguing facts. Did you know that Prague has the world’s oldest still-working astronomical clock? Or that there are more museums in Mexico City than anywhere else in the world? In a follow-up to international bestseller A World of Information, printmaker James Brown has skillfully rendered each city in a stylistic nod to vintage travel posters, while incorporating historical and cultural facts for inquisitive minds to devour. Wander the distinctive cities of the world, all from the comfort of your favorite reading nook.

Step inside the world of the medieval knight…into his castle as he prepares for a feast in the Great Hall, as he enters into battle and as he mounts his hors3e preparing for the joust.In The World of the Medieval Knight stunning cutaway views, brilliant panoramas and step-by-step sequences are all created by the illustrator Brett Breckon. His unique “exploded views” reveal in lavish detail the intricate way the knight’s armor was built.Discover how a page learned how to become a knight, how a knight’s horse was armed, how a castle was attacked and defended, how heavy the knight’s armor really was and what happened to the role of the knight.

This account of Toulouse-Lautrec strips away the mythology to look afresh at his achievements both as a graphic artist and a painter. It revitalizes and adds depth to the well-known images, while a wealth of contemporary material (correspondence, reviews, anecdotes and reminiscences) sheds new light on the challenges that faced the artist. Bernard Denvir examines all the major influences on his life and work: the eccentricities and instabilities of his aristocratic background; the indignities of his handicaps; his education and artistic training; the theatres, bars, cafes and brothels to which he increasingly gravitated; and the political and social unease of late nineteenth-century France. 170 illus., 31 in color.

Have you ever thought about what might be happening beneath your feet?Do you stop to think that there may be a whole amazing world of activity going on down there?This book gives you the opportunity to find out just how many different ways people have used the earth, from prehistory to the present day. Discover how and why they have explored it, mined it, lived in it, fought from it and traveled through it. Look beneath the cover to find out how medieval soldiers ‘undermined’ their enemies and to explore what lies beneath New York City’s 500,000 manhole covers.

Explore the fascinating world of the Pharaoh in this handsomely illustrated book.Discover how the Pharaoh towered above everyone else in Egypt. Responsible for running the country, he was believed by his subjects to be god-on-earth, controlling every single aspect of their lives from the growth of crops to the sacred rites for the dead.Through lively, informative text and detailed reconstructions, the Pharaoh’s unique role in history is magnificently brought to life.

Have you ever thought about what might be happening beneath your feet?Do you stop to think that there may be a whole amazing world of activity going on down there?This book gives you the opportunity to find out just how many different ways people have used the earth, from prehistory to the present day. Discover how and why they have explored it, mined it, lived in it, fought from it and traveled through it. Look beneath the cover to find out how medieval soldiers ‘undermined’ their enemies and to explore what lies beneath New York City’s 500,000 manhole covers.