Books in World of the Sagas series

Perceived for too long as predatory killers, crocodilians face their gravest danger--extinction--with little human help and sympathy. As this volume proves, alligators and crocodiles can be extremely fascinating. Examine this creature's anatomy to see why it makes such a fine hunter: its almost fully submerged body remains nearly invisible, its slit eyes help it see in the dark and judge distance precisely, and its tough skin protects it against the salt water. Many societies viewed crocodiles with awe because of their power and size, and even made them a part of their folklore and religion. Information on origins, evolution and distribution, courtship, reproduction, and many individual species paint a thorough portrait. Maps of their habitats, disappearing swiftly because of environmental damage, trace their presence worldwide, and excellent color photos bring these sometimes scary reptiles up close and personal. Blandford 192 pages, 40 color illus., 80 b/w illus., 6 x 9.

Oxford's Atlas of the World is the most authoritative resource on the market. The Fifteenth Edition remains the finest international reference source of its kind available. Including a free world wall map in every volume, updated census information, dozens of city maps, a gazetteer of nations, gorgeous satellite images of Earth, and a geographical glossary, this atlas offers exceptional value at a reasonable price. Full of crisp, clear cartography of urban areas and virtually uninhabited landscapes around the globe, the Atlas has maps of 69 cities and nearly 100 different regions at carefully selected scales to give a striking view of the Earth's surface. Opening with world statistics and then a colorful, instructive 48-page Introduction to World Geography--beautifully illustrated with tables and graphs--this acclaimed resource provides details on such topics as climate, the greenhouse effect, plate tectonics, agriculture, population and migration, and global conflicts. As in years past, this edition includes the latest geographic information: a new flag for Iraq, the addition of the Republic of Kosovo to the map of Europe, a new region in Senegal and two provinces in the Philippines, plus the appearance of the world's newest landmass, Warming Island, revealed by the melting Greenland ice sheet. Current census statistics also help to illustrate tables showing the population of world countries and cities and the popular satellite image section has been refreshed with stunning new images of different regions and urban areas. Providing the finest global coverage available, the Atlas of the World is not only the best-selling volume of its size and price, but also the benchmark by which all other atlases are measured. *Promotional world wall map included with every copy *Interior pages designed for heightened accuracy and ease of use *Detailed city plans and country profiles make it the ultimate geographic reference "An indispensable reference." --The Today Show "A veritable encyclopedia of geographic and demographic information, profusely illustrated. Extraordinary." --The New York Times "This authoritative volume is the standard by which others will be measured." --Boston Herald "You can't do better than the Atlas of the World." --Chicago Tribune

They make up three-quarters of the world's living creature, and that's counting only the 800,000 types we know. Though many people feel we're already too well acquainted with insects, by pollinating plants, producing honey and silk, and acting as monitors of pollution they're beneficial to us. Here you'll encounter -- from a safe distance! -- armies of ants, magnificently hued butterflies, shining silverfish, colorful tree-hanging moths, fierce yellow assassin bugs, blue weevils, and many more in this thriving world.