It also includes a guide to starting your own collection as well as several fascinating feature boxes exploring topics like the Malachite Room in the Winter Palace and the superstitions surrounding the world-famous (or infamous) Hope Diamond. In addition to resources on each of several hundred individual rock and gem types, the book contains a compelling history of how rocks are formed, starting with the Big Bang up to the present day. DK Natural History Rocks and Minerals: The Definitive Visual Guide combines his knowledge with hundreds of stunning photos from the Smithsonian's extensive collections, making professional-level knowledge accessible to readers of all experience levels. Author Ronald Bonewitz started his career as a geologist specializing in crystal chemistry, worked as a mining scout in the field, and now serves as a gem, mineral, fossil, and antiquities expert at an auction houses. Natural History squeezes as many plants, animals, rocks, and minerals as possible between its covers.A great guidebook featuring full-color photos of hundreds of rocks and gems for collectors and enthusiasts, created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution and written by a geologist with decades of experience. The next chapters form an extensive and accessible catalog of species and specimens – from flowering plants to reptiles – interspersed with fact-filled introductions to each group and in-depth profile features.Ī True Visual Dictionary of Earth's Natural Wonders

The engaging and informative text was supplied by a global team of natural history experts to make this bold visual encyclopedia a perfect addition to every family bookshelf or school library.įrom the evolution of nature to the classification of species, Natural History begins with a general introduction to life on earth. It is packed with thousands of eye-popping, specially commissioned photographs and in-depth two-page spreads on incredible species. This unrivaled visual survey of Earth's natural history looks at every kingdom of life.

Compiled by a team of professional wildlife experts working with the world-renowned Smithsonian Institution, this comprehensive nature book was 5 years in the making! Planet Earth's eclectic wildlife and endless wonders come to life in the most spectacular way in this monumental compendium of Earth’s natural wonders. From rocks to redwoods and microbes to mammals – this is a dazzling visual introduction to our planet’s treasures.įilled with more than 5,000 species and in-depth studies of animals, plants, fungi, microorganisms, rocks, and minerals, it’s the ultimate celebration of the world’s extraordinary diversity of life. A spectacular and exceptionally well-illustrated guide to everything on Earth.

Dk natural history book