Books in Discovering the Arts series

Life would be impossible without plants: they provide food, either directly or in the form of plant-eating animals, as well as the many fibers we use, from the timber to build homes and the fuel for heating and cooking to the wood used to make tools and furniture. It is not surprising, therefore, that people have been studying plants for thousands of years.Plants details this search for understanding and some of the individuals who have contributed to it. This new full-color volume begins in ancient Greece, where philosophers first speculated about the origin of plants and where the study of botany began. It also examines medicinal plants, which were considered the prime concern for the founders of botany. This book recounts the adventures of some of the most famous plant collectors as well as the system of plant classification used by today's scientists. Describing the early developments of ecology, Plants ends with an explanation of biodiversity and why scientists think it's important.Chapters include:The Father of BotanyHerbals and Physic GardensBotanical Gardens and HerbariaNaming PlantsThe Plant HuntersGeography of PlantsPlant CultivationEvolution of PlantsPlant PhysiologyEcology of PlantsBiodiversity and Plant Conservation.

This colorful book is filled with delightful images from the J. Paul Getty Museum's collection. But not just any images: this volume contains images of cats, accompanied by a bit of read-aloud rhyme. Designed and written for the youngest of art appreciators, these charming books introduce children to the many different ways artists see the world--and offer a glimpse into the treasures of the Getty Museum.

The new seven-volume Discovering the Earth set examines the efforts made by scientists in the fields of environment, environmental protection, and environmental science. Covering a broad range of topics--including the Earth sciences, atmosphere, oceans, ecology, animals, plants, and exploration--the books in this comprehensive set provide a panorama of brief accounts of particular discoveries and the people who made them. These stories explain the problems that were solved, the ways they were approached, and, in some cases, the dead ends that scientists sometimes reached. Ideal for high school and college students and particularly valuable to students of environmental studies, ecology, biology, geography, geology, and the humanities, the books in the Discovering the Earth set shed light on the way the scientific aspect of Western culture has developed. Written in clear language and requiring no mathematical knowledge, these helpful books feature sidebars where necessary to explain a particular concept as well as full-color photographs, tables, charts, and further resources.

Discover the fiercest armored dinosaurs that ever roamed the Earth in this ultimate new guide to the toughest scales and hardiest armor plates of the dinosaur world, featuring a unique cover that feels like dinosaur-skin!The toughest members of the dinosaur kingdom come to life in this exciting new handbook that explores the dangerous horns, clubbed tails, spiked ridges, and plated armor that made these ARMORED DINOSAURS as battle-ready as an army tank! Featuring dynamic illustrations and a unique, dinosaur-skin cover, ARMORED DINOSAURS will let you rediscover favorites like the Stegosaurus and Ankylosaurus like never before!