Books in Smithsonian Handbooks series

Created in association with Smithsonian Institution, this authoritative guide features more than 500 rocks and minerals. Packed with photographs and details on characteristics, distinguishing features, and more, Smithsonian Handbooks: Rocks and Minerals makes identification easy.Designed for beginning and experienced collectors alike, this guide explains what rocks and minerals are, how they are classified, and how to start a collection. Look up different rocks and minerals, and find clear, annotated photography to pick out the key distinguishing features. Learn the differences between igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, and reference the glossary for many more technical and scientific terms.Smithsonian Handbooks: Rocks and Minerals is filled with information about characteristics, colors, unique attributes, and more, making it one of the clearest identification guides for rock and mineral enthusiasts.

Packed with over 1,000 full-color photographs over more than 500 fossils, this handbook is designed to cut through the complex process of fossil identification to make it accessible to readers of all experience levels. Authoritative text, crystal-clear photography, and a systematic approach from Dorling Kindersley and the Smithsonian Institution make this guide both comprehensive and concise. Expertly written and thoroughly vetted, each entry combines a precise description with annotated photography to highlight each fossil's chief characteristics and distinguishing features. Each fossil is accompanied by a full-color illustration of the living animal or plant that the fossil once was in the distant past, while color-coded bands provide at-a-glance key facts to complete each entry. Also included is a comprehensive glossary so you can speak the language of a true paleontologist. Written by veteran paleontologist and curator Cyril Walker, and veterinary surgeon and fossil enthusiast David Ward, and packed with detailed information on recognition, classification, and more, DK’s Smithsonian Handbook of Fossils is the clearest identification guide to fossils for beginners and established enthusiasts alike.

Authoritative text, crystal-clear photography, and a systematic approach make DK’s Smithsonian Handbook of Shells the most comprehensive and concise pocket guide to seashells of the world. Packed with more than 600 full-color photographs of over 500 species of seashells, this handy reference book is designed to cut through the complex process of identification and make it accessible to the average reader. Expertly written and thoroughly vetted, each species entry combines a precise description with annotated photographs to highlight each shell's characteristics and distinguishing features. The entry always includes a distribution map, showing the geographical range of the species, as well as color-coded bands to provide at-a-glance key facts. Written by leading shell expert, author, and museum veteran S. Peter Dance, and packed with detailed information on the shape of each genus, differences between the major classes, and more, DK’s Smithsonian Handbook of Shells is the clearest identification guide to seashells for beginners and established enthusiasts alike.

The most comprehensive and easy-to-use pocket guide to the reptiles and amphibians of the world, with beautiful color photographs and authoritative text from an expert herpetologist and a biology professor specializing in amphibians. Packed with over 600 color photographs of more than 400 species, this handbook is designed to enable you to recognize each species quickly and easily. World-renowned herpetologist Mark O’Shea, best known for his Animal Planet/Discovery Channel show O’Shea’s Big Adventure, teams up with Tim Halliday, former biology professor at the Open University and one of the world’s leading authorities on amphibians, to write expert-level entries highlighting the chief characteristics and distinguishing features of each species, accompanied by crisp, detailed photos. A comprehensive introduction describes the anatomy, lifecycle, and behavior of the major groups of reptiles and amphibians, while the initial steps of identification are facilitated by a clear visual key. Whether you’re spotting animals in the field or browsing the fascinating world of wildlife from the comfort of your home, this Dorling Kindersley guidebook is a great resource for any nature-lover.

The most visually appealing guides to the natural world that one can buy. Packed with superb full-color photography, detailed descriptions, and highlights of key facts, Mammals is the latest addition to the Smithsonian Handbook series. Including more than 500 profiles each with its own spread, there isn't a more reliable identification guide on the market.

Packed with more than 800 vivid full-color photographs of more than 130 varieties of cut and uncut stones, organic gemstones, and precious metals, this concise guide combines its stunning visuals with a systematic approach that enables you to recognize each gemstone instantly. Published by Dorling Kindersley in association with the Smithsonian Institution, the guidebook is beautiful, informative, and accessible to readers of all levels. Each expertly written entry combines a precise description with annotated photographs to highlight each gemstone’s chief characteristics and distinguishing features. Additional color illustrations and photographs show uncut stones, color variations, and a wide range of popular cuts. Easy-to-use, color-coded bands provide at-a-glance facts for quick reference. Also included is a comprehensive glossary. Written by gem expert, writer, and curator Cally Hall of London’s Natural History Museum, and packed with detailed information on gemstone properties, varieties, and more, DK’s Smithsonian Handbook of Gemstones is the clearest identification to natural and synthetic gemstones for beginners and established enthusiasts alike.

This book is designed for all those who love horses. Tracing the evolution of equines, this guide also explains the difference between horses and ponies, looks at how different breeds evolved or were selectively developed, and examines equine anatomy and behavior. Packed with 250 vivid full-color photographs of more than 100 horse-breeds, it uses a systematic approach from Dorling Kindersley and the Smithsonian Institution to train readers of all experience levels to identify and appreciate the wide variety of horses in the world. A visual identity key helps you recognize different horse breeds, and guides you to the correct entry based on what you see and observe. Each entry combines a concise description with annotated photographs to highlight the main characteristics and distinguishing features of the breed, with details on coloring, country or region of origin, breed history, and how the breed has been used in the human world. A concise glossary provides instant interpretation of equine terms. The clear visuals and distinctive facts are accompanied by expert prose from author Elwyn Hartley Edwards, former editor of Riding magazine and former consulting editor to Horse and Hound. The book is a clear, concise, comprehensive, and indispensable identification guide for beginners and established equine enthusiasts alike.

With over 600 stunning, full-color photographs of over 500 species of butterflies and moths, this is the most beautiful and clear guide to the identification of these fantastic flying insects. Even an amateur enthusiast will be able to spot different species like an expert entomologist. Each entry combines a precise description of the featured butterfly or moth species with annotated photographs to show its chief characteristics and distinguishing features, from ingenious camouflage to signature eyespots to distinctive larval forms and cocoon structures. It is accompanied by a map of the animal’s geographical range, as well as color-coded bands with at-a-glance facts specific to the species. In addition to the species-by-species guide, the book contains a fascinating overview of this whole unique order of insects, from the habitats and plants they rely on to survive in the wild, to the details of their distinctive metamorphosis, to the ways ordinary people can distinguish between these similar-looking creatures. The book is published by Dorling Kindersley in association with the eminently authoritative Smithsonian Institution, and is written by David Carter, who works at the Natural History Museum, London, and has been specializing in moths and butterflies for nearly four decades. It is designed to appeal to beginners and established enthusiasts alike.

Written by noted entomologist George C. McGavin, this comprehensive handbook covers all 29 orders of insect as well as spiders and terrestrial arthropods. It’s packed with hundreds of annotated photographs and illustrations to help you discern the many types of insects and gives you a brief description of each insect family with main characteristics, including life cycles, the environment in which they thrive, and a photographic guide to assist you in categorizing the insect group. It’s an indispensable handbook for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Smithsonian 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, Smithsonian Handbooks make identification easy and accurate.

Published in association with the Smithsonian Institution, this accessible, attractive, and detailed handbook combines 1,500 vivid full-color photos with descriptions of more than 700 species. This authoritative, systematic and clear photographic approach marks a new generation of identification guides. This comprehensive book explains what an herb is, identifies which parts are collected and prepared, and describes different uses for each—from cooking and medicine to beauty treatment, aromatherapy, and crafts. Essential details of the species’ size, habitat, and natural range complete every entry, and a concise glossary explains technical and scientific terms. Each expertly written entry combines a concise description with annotated photographs to highlight the herb’s distinguishing features and chief uses. Color illustrations show the whole plant or tree in its most typical form, while color-coded bands provide quick reference facts. The guidebook is authored by Lesley Bremness, writer and presenter of the TV show The World of Herbs, who has studied exotic herbs from all around the world. She is also a gifted organic gardener, having first been “discovered” when she won an herb garden design competition at the Chelsea Flower Show, London.

Authoritative text, charts and diagrams, photographs, and a systematic approach make DK's Smithsonian Handbooks: Stars and Planets the most comprehensive and concise pocket guide to observing the night sky.Each planet is illustrated and described in detail, with location charts and diagrams and a month-by-month guide to interesting features of the night sky. All 88 constellations are examined, along with objects they contain, such as notable stars, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies. For those new to astronomy, a highly visual introduction explains many basic concepts and offers expert advice on the best methods and equipment for observation.This book is one of a series covering plants, animals, and other natural phenomena from around the world and is published in association with the Smithsonian Institution.