A World of Curiosities


Book Description

From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe: everything you never knew you never knew about every country on Earth.A scientist by training and an explorer by passion, Dr. John Oldale has logged half a million miles visiting more than ninety nations. Now, he celebrates our weird and wonderful world in a cornucopia of fascinating facts brought vividly to life through the unexpected stories behind them. Touching on history, travel, politics, natural history and more, he paints a unique portrait of each country from the mightiest to the most miniscule. You won't find the following in your average travel guide: · Why is kissing on trains banned in France? · In what country are litigants expected to present their case at court in the form of a poem? · Which war did women win in 1929 just by sitting down? · If Panama hats aren’t from Panama, where are they from? · Who eat fresh camel dung as a cure for dysentery (and why does it work)? · Why were US disk jockeys once told they could play birthday requests on any day except the one requested? · Which modern dictator banned old age, libraries and gold teeth, and was later replaced by his dentist? · And 2,000 more funny, trivial, poignant, and telling facts A must for active and armchair globe-trotters alike, A World of Curiosities will engross anyone who is at all curious about the world beyond their door. Explore and enjoy.




I Wish I Knew That: Geography


Book Description

Where on earth will you find a more exciting look at the world around us? Explore the world's continents, countries, and capital cities, and marvel at the planet's most extraordinary physical features-from the highest mountains to the deepest oceans-in a lighthearted mix of text, diagrams, maps, and amusing illustrations that will captivate children and encourage them to keep trekking. Divided into bite-size chunks, this book presents kids with a world of knowledge in the coolest ways possible and includes: a whirlwind tour of what planet Earth is made of and its position in the solar system. a look at the continents, with a listing of all the countries and their capital cities. forest fun facts and "tree-via." a chart of the world's largest deserts and the venomous animals that live there. an exciting journey across the ocean floor. Filled with hundreds of cool ways to remember the tallest, largest, longest, and most desolate, I Wish I Knew That: Geography is the perfect companion to help kids get a grip on the globe.




1000 Events that Shaped the World


Book Description

"In a sweep of history, this book brings you what National Geographic has introduced into households for more than a century: the world and all that is in it. Concise narratives, each focused on one event and numbered chronologically from 1 to 1,000, walk you through the story of civilization, from the first evidence of life 3.8 billion years ago to the discovery of the first known planet beyond the solar system that could harbor life as we know it. Accompanied by hundreds of illustrations, events famous, infamous and little known offer insight into how and why the world has grown and changed as it has."--BOOK JACKET.




The Science of Everything


Book Description

"This book explains the science behind all the machines, gadgets, systems, and processes we take for granted. The perfect book for techies--young or old, male or female--who read Popular Science and Wired or watch "How It Works" and "How It's Made."




1,000 Facts about Ancient Egypt


Book Description

Illustrated children's reference book about ancient Egypt. Includes mummies, pyramids, pharaohs, hieroglyphs, gods, history, and more.




101 Things You Should Know about Geography


Book Description

Presents one hundred one important geography facts, covering topics ranging from glaciers and global warming to latitude and longitude.




Ultimate Weird But True 2


Book Description

Presents facts, brief stories, photos, and illustrations showing that fact can be as weird as fiction.




101 Mind-Bending Geography Fun Facts


Book Description

Did you know that the ocean has over 20 million tons of gold dissolved in it? And that the Sahara Desert will become a grassland? Test your understanding of the world with this fun little fact book, with 101 interesting, astonishing and mind-bending geography facts that you probably didn't know before! This fun fact-filled book covers a range of topics in the world, with facts stated within this book exposing or reiterating common misconceptions about our world, pointing out technicalities that are generally overlooked and reveal just straight-up unusual facts. Non-fiction style B&W cream paper interior with graphics throughout. Glossy softback 5.25x8 in handbook size book. Sweet and concise explanation to fun facts, around 2 facts per page. Captivating facts to talk with your child about! Get your copy now, and join other happy customers!




The Trivia Lover's Guide to the World


Book Description

Gary Fuller's entertaining and engaging guide enhances geographic know-how with good, old-fashioned fun, using trivia to open up new worlds of knowledge for all readers. Often dismissed as unimportant, trivia here highlights issues that are far from trivial, pondering, for example, what peaceful country requires citizens to keep guns in their homes? what continent contains at least 75 percent of the world's fresh water? and why aren't New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia the capitals of their respective states? An inveterate traveler and geographer extraordinaire, Fuller provides extensive background, clear illustrations, and thorough explanations for each intriguing question, carefully grounding the text in practical geographic concepts. Both enjoyable and enlightening, this book challenges today's global generation to truly get to know their world.