This beautiful book chronicles the fascinating history of sainthood and the lives of over 300 saints. A concise introduction outlines the religious and social history of Christian saints from stigmata and martyrdom to feast days and patron saints. Then, the illustrated encyclopedia outlines the work of each saint, listed in chronological order, from the Apostles and early medieval martyrs, through to 21st-century saints. Well known saints such as St Francis of Assisi and St Teresa of Avila sit alongside 1st-century martyrs and African saints of the 19th century. Special themed pages explore subjects such as Celtic Saints, the Holy Family, and Saints in Art. Illustrated with over 500 images, this expert guide will inform every reader interested in learning more about Christianity and the lives of the saints.

This wide-ranging reference book covers almost 3000 years of history, offering enthralling insights into the art and architecture, myths and legends, and everyday life of the many different empires of Central America and Mexico.

Stories of sun-gods and blood sacrifice, of pyramids and temples, and of the fabulous treasuries filled with gold have fascinated many generations and are explored in detail, in this sumptuous new large-format edition. The World Heritage sites of historic Mexico City and Tenochtitlán, Teotihuacán, Chichén Itzá, Tikal and Monte Albán, are examined giving life to the civic, military and everyday world of the time. This unrivaled volume is not only a perfect introduction to the history of these lost civilizations, but also a stunning visual record of a unique period that has helped to shape our world.

In this new, fully updated edition, expert author Francis Crosby traces the development of fighters from World War I to the present day, and highlights actions in which fighters played a crucial role. The A-Z sections form an illustrated guide to over 170 fighter aircraft. The first covers aircraft from the pioneering days of air fighting in World War I through to the early jets at the end of World War II, and the second focuses on the remarkable advances of post-World War II, mainly jet, aircraft from 1945 to the present day. Specification boxes for each aircraft provide information about the plane's country of origin, first flight, power, armament, size, weight and performance. Also included is a glossary explaining aviation terms. Illustrated with 600 photographs, this is a key reference book for all aircraft enthusiasts.

Aircraft designed to attack and destroy other aircraft have existed almost as long as military aviation. With the outbreak of World War I in 1914, aircraft designed specifically as fighters appeared. This book of fighter aircraft traces the development of fighters from World War I to the present day, and highlights actions in which fighters played a crucial role.

The first section covers aircraft from the pioneering days of air fighting in World War I through to the early jets in action at the end of World War II. This section is brimming with information and often rare photographs of truly classic fighter aircraft including the Bristol Fighter, Spit re and P-51 Mustang. The second section of the book focuses on the remarkable advances of post-World War II, mainly jet aircraft from 1945 to the present day, and includes the MiG-15, Hunter, Harrier and F-15 Eagle. Detailed specification boxes are featured for every aircraft listed. These contain up-to-date information, including country of origin, first flight, power, armament, size, weights and performance.

This splendidly illustrated book, with many previously unpublished pictures from the Imperial War Museum Photograph Archive, is a must-have reference book for everyone interested in the aircraft that have helped make history.

Throughout the ages flags have been a means of cultural and national identity, communication, and a means of representation for groups and associations. Compiled by a leading authority this book, newly updated for this larger format edition, is a definitive and exhaustive visual reference to international flags, from the largest countries to the smallest states. Split into two sections, the first part of the book presents a fascinating overview of the history of flags, from the 3rd century BC to the 21st century. The second section covers over 600 flags in current use, including a continent- by-continent examination of countries, territories, organizations, individuals and causes. Lavishly illustrated, this book is both a stunning reference book and an invaluable resource. Fascinating and compelling, it offers historical, geographical and political insights into one of our most ancient forms of identification and communication.

Celebrated for his use of expressive brush marks, which filled his paintings with dynamism, light and colour in a way not seen before in Renaissance art, Tiziano Veccellio became the greatest painter 16thcentury Venice had ever known. In the first half of her beautiful new book, Susie Hodge explores Titian's fascinating life through his family, friends, patrons and commissions. Starting out as a young apprentice in the great city of Venice, Titian grew up surrounded with spectacular works of art, architecture and sculpture. His early influences and remarkable achievements are explained clearly with informative and attractive illustrations throughout. The second half of the book contains a comprehensive gallery of over 300 of Titian's major works of art, each of which is accompanied by a thorough analysis of the artwork and its significance within the context of Titian's life, his rapidly changing technique and his body of work as a whole.

From the ancient Greeks to the Aztecs and from the indigenous peoples of Oceania to native North Americans, people across the world have created a rich tapestry of stories, characters and beliefsto explain the mysteries of creation and the forces of nature and death. In this important volume, the mythologies of the ancient worlds are brought vividly to life. Here, one of the foremost experts on world mythology, Arthur Cotterell, brings together a team of authors to depict the world's most significant mythological figures and most enthralling stories. Special illustrated features focus on unifying mythological themes such as Creation and the Universe, Ordering the World, Death and Sacrifice, and Oracles and Prophecies.Illustrated with more than 1500 photographs and works of art, this comprehensive guide to the myths and legends of the world is both accessible and timeless in its universal appeal.

This encyclopedia traces the fascinating history of knives,

daggers, bayonets, swords, sabres and lances, from their

Palaeolithic origins through to the 21st century. Weapons

from around the world are examined, such as the

decorated daggers of Persia and the exquisite knives

of Japan. A superb directory features 750 examples of

sharp-edged weapons, describing the origins, capabilities

and specifications of each one. With 1500 photographs

and illustrations, and written by leading experts in the

field, this beautiful guide is an indispensable resource for

the serious collector and amateur enthusiast alike, and will

fascinate anyone with an interest in historical weapons.

- An authoritative guide to sharp-edged weapons,

from their origins in the Stone Age through to the

21st century, with 1500 color photographs

- Describes ancient and modern weapons, such as

the first flint daggers, the spears of ancient Greece,

Samurai swords, knightly swords, fencing blades,

and the bayonets of World War II

- Includes a comprehensive visual directory of over

750 blades arranged by period, with expert descriptions

and details of origin, date and length

A comprehensive encyclopedia of cats with a fully illustrated guide to 120 breeds and over 1500 photographs

This comprehensive book brings together veterinary-approved advice on cat care and a directory of the world's best-known cat breeds. The book opens with a brief history of the cat and covers every important topic that any responsible owner needs to be aware of. There is advice on buying and choosing a cat, inoculations for kittens, providing a safe environment indoors and out, and choosing equipment. There are also sections on feeding and nutrition, grooming and training, breeding, showing and holistic health care. Part two, The Breeds, is a comprehensive visual encyclopedia of all the main cat breeds, from ever-popular Persians and Shorthairs, to rarer breeds such as the Maine Coon Cat, Ocicat and Ragdoll. With over 1500 photographs, this book is indispensable for every cat owner's bookshelf.

Over the course of his career, Sargent created roughly 900 oil paintings, more than 2,000 watercolours and a vast number of sketches and charcoal drawings. He travelled extensively, to Venice, the Tyrol, Capri, Corfu, Spain, France, England, Holland, the Middle East, Canada and across America. Wherever he went, he captured the people and the surroundings. Using the fluid brushwork that had been introduced by his friends the Impressionists, his portraits are intimate and experimental, conveying both superficial appearances and psychological depths, and his landscapes are atmospheric and immediate.

Sargent was in constant demand for his portraits, and during his lifetime he was perceived as a far more significant artist than contemporary avant-garde painters such as Paul Cézanne and Paul Gauguin, and he allied himself with one of the most progressive, independent ateliers in Paris. His style fused the spectacular Impressionistic brushwork with techniques he learned from both Old and Modern masters, combined with his interest in human psychology, all consolidated by his own adroit artistry. Yet during his life, as well as attracting such acclamation from across Europe and America, he provoked some scandal and condemnation, and after his death, he became judged adversely. As with many artists however, the wheel of favour eventually turned and once again, in the early 21st century, Sargent's work was reassessed and revalued and he is now considered one of the finest and most skilful sought-after painters.

The first part of this informative book explores the life of Sargent and the times he lived in, and the second part is a magnificent gallery of his work, with details about each painting and its context, with expert analysis of his style and technique. This beautifully illustrated volume, with 500 reproductions and images, will be essential reading for anyone who would like to learn more about this intriguing artist, whom The Metropolitan Museum in New York called 'The Van Dyck of our times.'.

This authoritative volume provides a beautifully illustrated guide to the most influential composers of classical music. Starting from medieval times, the book gives detailed biographies covering the life and times of each composer, listing their most important works and placing them in their historical context. There are over 100 individual entries, from the pre-eminent Bach, Mozart and Beethoven, continuing up to modern composers such as Carter, Boulez and Stockhausen. The entries are accompanied by portraits or photographs of each

composer, illustrations of the places where they lived and worked, and examples of their original manuscripts.

Spicy and scented, fruity and sweet, offering creative combinations of cumin and ginger, honey and cinnamon, saffron and rose, chillies and turmeric, nuts, marinated olives and preserved lemons, served in painted, earthenware bowls and tagines... It is no wonder that the food of Morocco has been described as its 'perfumed soul'. Freshly baked or griddled bread, sweetmeats and fruit are offered to welcome guests, and wherever you go a glass of hot, sweet mint tea is the essence of hospitality. The culmination of years of research, this evocative volume by award-winning author and cook Ghillie Bașan looks at the history and customs, as well as the local ingredients, and presents a mouthwatering selection of more than 145 classic recipes. Welcome to Morocco!

Updated history and encyclopedia of fire engines from all over the world, with an A-Z of fire engine manufacturers.

A reference and identification guide to 1300 of the world's most significant trees

This beautifully illustrated volume, substantially updated for this new large-format edition, is the ultimate reference guide to more than 1300 of the most spectacular, best-loved and unusual trees across the globe, from the huge redwoods of California to the banyan trees of south-east Asia. A comprehensive introduction looks at the origins of trees, how they have evolved over time, and the ways in which they have adapted to suit the variety of terrains in which they thrive.

The three directories feature trees from Temperate and Tropical America; Britain and Europe; and Africa, Asia and Australasia. Each entry is accompanied by a hand-painted illustration, and includes identification details such as bark texture; leaf shape and size; flowering time; average height; and overall tree shape. It is an authoritative volume that will form a vital part of every family's natural history library.

This beautifully presented book traces the history of swords, sabres, spears and lances from Paleolithic origins to the twentieth-century demise of the sword as a military weapon. Focusing on eras of historical and military significance, such as the Napoleonic Wars and the American Civil War, the author describes how the development of edged weapons brutally shaped some of our greatest civilizations. At the heart of the book is a wide-ranging and fully illustrated directory, featuring more than 500 examples from around the world. From the spears of Ancient Egypt to the swords of the Russian empire, and from the swords of the Japanese Samurai to the blades used in World Wars I and II, each entry is accompanied by a photograph of the weapon and key details including date, origin and length. The 800 photographs and illustrations of these extraordinary pieces of craftmanship will fascinate anyone interested in the conflicts and weapons that have shaped our history.