Books published by publisher National Geographic Society

Did you know that listening to music tunes up your brain? Or that certain foods can help maintain mental fitness? Or that exercise can keep both body and mind in good shape? Delving into the science behind these strategies, Brain goes even deeper to reveal the brain’s inner workings.Overseen by distinguished neuropsychiatrist Dr. Richard Restak, Brainis both a practical owner’s manual and a complete guide to the brain’s development and function. Its pages explore not only the brain’s physical form—its 100 billion nerve cells and near-infinite network of synapses—but also its interactions that regulate every thought and action. Brainfeatures the latest discoveries about improving and optimizing mental acuity right alongside sidebars on breakthrough moments in neuroscience. Explained here also are the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of the brain, addressed in accessible, engaging language.Combining the latest advances in our understanding of the mind-body connection and ongoing research into such diseases as dementia, depression, and PTSD, Brainis an indispensable guide to mens sana in corpore sano—at every stage of life.

Kostyal tells the story of the great American heroes who created the Declaration of Independence, fought the American Revolution, shaped the US Constitution--and changed the world. The era's dramatic events, from the riotous streets in Boston to the unlikely victory at Saratoga, are punctuated with lavishly illustrated biographies of the key founders--Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, Ben Franklin, Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and James Madison--who shaped the very idea of America. An introduction and ten expertly-rendered National Geographic maps round out this ideal gift for history buff and student alike. Filled with beautiful illustrations, maps, and inspired accounts from the men and women who made America, Founding Fathers brings the birth of the new nation to light.

National Geographic's Executive reference map of the United States features all 50 States with insets for Alaska and Hawaii in antique-executive cartographic style. Each state is colored to clearly define borders and shaded relief accentuates geographical features. All major cities, transportation routes, state boundaries, National Parks, lakes and rivers, and mountain ranges are clearly displayed and labeled.Poster sized maps make a perfect addition to any sized space. They are specially designed to maximize content in a smaller footprint than standard wall maps and fit precisely into precut poster sized frames which makes finishing and hanging them a breeze. The map is packaged in a two inch diamater clear plastic tube. The tube has a decorative label showing a thumbnail of the map with dimensions and other pertinent information. Map Scale = 1:5,410,000Sheet Size = 36" x 24"

National Geographic author Michael Farquhar uncover an instance of bad luck, epic misfortune, and unadulterated mayhem tied to every day of the year. From Caligula's blood-soaked end to hotelier Steve Wynn's unfortunate run-in with a priceless Picasso, these 365 tales of misery include lost fortunes (like the would-be Apple investor who pulled out in 1977 and missed out on a $30 billion-dollar windfall), romance gone wrong (like the 16th-century Shah who experimented with an early form of Viagra with empire-changing results), and truly bizarre moments (like the Great Molasses Flood of 1919). Think you’re having a bad day? Trust us, it gets worse.

The United States Explorer map is a classic example of the cartographic excellence National Geographic is known for. This colorful political map clearly shows state boundaries, capitals, major highways, rivers, lakes, and many major cities. Insets show detail of Alaska and Hawaii. The color palette is vibrant and stunning shaded relief provides additional texture and detail.The map is encapsulated in heavy-duty 1.6 mil laminate which makes the paper much more durable and resistant to the swelling and shrinking caused by changes in humidity. Laminated maps can be framed without the need for glass, so the fames can be much lighter and less expensive. Map Scale = 1:6,396,000Sheet Size = 32" x 20.25"

SHARKS:He’s quick. He’s silent. He has five rows of deadly teeth. Chomp! This fish has soft cartilage so he can glide, twist, and turn before his prey can say "gulp!" He can smell a single drop of blood in 25 million drops of ocean. He can feel electricity given off by his prey. He will lose and replace more than 10,000 teeth in his lifetime. Cool photos bring kids into the shark’s world. VOLCANOES: The cool story of volcanoes will intrigue kids and adults alike. Hot melted rock from the middle of our planet forces its way up through cracks in the Earth’s crusts, exploding violently and sometimes unexpectedly in volcanic fury that can terrorize populations for months, even years.TIGERS:With their bold black stripes, powerful presence, and fierce faces, tigers are just about the coolest animal on the planet. These giant jungle cats can climb trees, swim, and run in sprints up to 32 mph--making them a predatory nightmare. Ranging from the warm climates of Southeast Asia to the frozen tundra of western Russia, these solitary hunters will devour whatever animal they catch. LIZARDS:From geckos to iguanas, kimodo dragons to chameleons, lizards are about the most awesome animal around! They inhabit every continent except Antarctica. Some are lethal. Some change color. Some have suction cups on their feet. WOLVES:They run in packs, stalk their prey, and howl at the moon. And no matter where you are--they're always lurking somewhere nearby. Wolves, the predatory puppy dogs of the wild, are feared and loved by people everywhere. But are they misunderstood? CATERPILLAR TO BUTTERFLY: Butterflies are all around us. It's hard to believe these majestic insects with impressive wingspans and beautifully colored and patterned wings were once creepy crawly caterpillars. How in the world does this transformation happen? This level 1 Reader gives kids an up-close look at exactly how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly.

This richly illustrated book from the travel experts at National Geographic showcases the best travel experiences in every state, from the obvious to the unexpected. Sites include national parks, beaches, hotels, Civil War battlefields, dude ranches, out-of-the-way museums, and more. You'll discover the world's longest yard sale in Tennessee, swamp tours in Louisiana, dinosaur trails in Colorado, America's oldest street in NYC, and the best spot to watch for sea otters on the central California coast. Each entry provides detailed travel information as well as fascinating facts about each state that will help fuel your wanderlust and ensure the best vacation possible. In addition to 50 states in the U.S., the book includes a section on the Canadian provinces and territories.

• Waterproof • Tear-Resistant • Travel MapThe National Geographic Adventure Baja Map Pack is the perfect companion for anyone who wants to travel in the Mexican states of Baja California and Baja California Sur. The Map Pack includes two Adventure maps that cover the entire penisula. From the border towns of Tijuana and Mexicali through the rugged Sierra de San Boria mountain range and the beaches of central Baja all the way to the southern tip of Baja at Cabo San Lucas these two maps cover the region in stunning detail. Each of the maps cover these areas with points of interest such as surf and diving spots, whale watching, as well as an intricate road network. Buy the Map Pack and save 15%!The Baja Map Pack includes: Map 3103 :: Baja North [Baja California] Map 3104 :: Baja South [Baja California Sur]Every Adventure Map is printed on durable synthetic paper, making them waterproof, tear-resistant and tough — capable of withstanding the rigors of international travel.Map Scale = 1:450,000Sheet Size = 37.75" x 25.5"Folded Size = 4.25" x 9.25"

Handy, authoritative, and easy-to-read, this field guide to the insects of North America is part of the growing National Geographic Pocket Guide series. This guide provides spot-on descriptive information, authoritative photography and illustrations, and key facts in a handy, easy-to-reference volume. This book includes selected photography and newly commissioned art and graphics to help identify each species. Beautifully designed and illustrated, with logical organization and bulleted information, these pocket guides are useful in the field or as an in-home reference.

National Geographic and author Michael Farquhar uncover an instance of bad luck, epic misfortune, and unadulterated mayhem tied to every day of the year. From Caligula's blood-soaked end to hotelier Steve Wynn's unfortunate run-in with a priceless Picasso, these 365 tales of misery include lost fortunes (like the would-be Apple investor who pulled out in 1977 and missed out on a $30 billion-dollar windfall), romance gone wrong (like the 16th-century Shah who experimented with an early form of Viagra with empire-changing results), and truly bizarre moments (like the Great Molasses Flood of 1919). Think you’re having a bad day? Trust us, it gets worse.