A magnificent portrait of the Earth. The Firefly Great World Atlas combines the most complete and up-to-date satellite imagery with innovative mapping technology to create a definitive and invaluable reference. Cloud-free satellite images accompany each map at the same scale, allowing immediate comparison between two views of the same location. Larger scale photographs of important geographical features enhance these detailed satellite images. Large-scale maps of all the world's regions are presented along with nine spectacular gatefold maps. As well as identifying cities and towns, the maps include detailed information such as communications, industry, cultural regions (e.g. New England), disputed borders, natural resources, agriculture, sites of interest, scientific stations, and more. A comprehensive index gazetteer provides more than 80,000 fully cross-referenced geographic names. This atlas includes an introductory section that explains the many factors that influence the Earth. For instance, there is a brief explanation of the solar system and how the Sun and space debris affects Earth. Also included are illustrated explanations of the structure of Earth, continental drift, major geological regions and forces, global climate, life on earth, population and settlement, economic systems, and much more. Illustrated with over 1,500 images including 320 high-resolution satellite maps, 96 large-scale regional maps, 180 thematic maps, 200 terrain models, and more than 750 color photographs, the Firefly Great World Atlas is a fascinating and authoritative reference.

An unparalleled journey around the globe. Authoritative and easy to use, this best-selling atlas opens with a series of magnificent double-page spreads that give a global overview of the physical and human world as it is today. Each continent is then surveyed in detail, with maps describing physical landscape, political and cultural makeup, and distribution of resources and economic activity. With 98 new pages and updated throughout to reflect the latest sociopolitical and geographical changes, this large-format atlas now includes: companion Web site offers up-to-date news and information on all the world's countries map of Canada includes its Arctic regions and the new territory of Nunavut more than 250 text changes have been made to individual pages flags of the world endpapers This outstanding atlas features: 5,000 illustrations, charts and diagrams 25,000 facts and statistics 450 maps 80,000 place names Index-Gazetteer, complete with page and grid reference regional pages that combine high-quality mapping with photography, diagrams and computer-generated landscape models detailed text and captions throughout at-a-glance maps spotlighting key regional aspects easy-to-read symbols alternative names and spellings Countries of the World Gazetteer of essential facts on all the world's countries glossary of technical geographical terms Time Zones Geographical Comparisons The Arctic and Antarctic Regions, and the Oceans Unrivaled in clarity, accuracy and comprehensiveness, this atlas includes features that bring the land to life on the page: see where an ancient wall lies, a scientific station, a seasonal lake. Sites of interest, cultural regions and international airports are all marked. In The World Today section, maps illustrate economic systems, the political world, states and boundaries, international disputes, the solar system and more. A must in this rapidly changing world -- and now complemented by a frequently updated web site -- The Firefly World Atlas is the ultimate atlas for homes, businesses, schools and libraries. "Incredibly impressive" (The Independent on Sunday) "A first-rate atlas for anybody wanting to keep abreast of world changes." (Calgary Herald)

A cup of tea is an everyday pleasure for people the world over. And increasingly there is a dizzying array of teas to choose from - from robust black tea to elegant green tea and everything in between. In fact every tea has a fascinating story to tell about the place in which it grew - from soil, climate and altitude to the choices its producers made in processing it. Then there are the myriad ways in which that tea can be prepared for your daily cup. Tea mixologist Krisi Smith sets out what you need to know to appreciate teas of all descriptions - from harvesting and processing methods for different varieties to how to make the perfect cup. The world's key tea-growing regions and their best products are identified and their taste profiles explained - from China, Taiwan, Japan, India and Sri Lanka to Nepal, Vietnam and East Africa. The world of tea is fast-moving and Krisi also includes info on everything from blending teas to your own taste and some innovative recipes, to health benefits and the perfect kit to make your brew truly delicious.

The worldwide bestseller - 1/3 million copies sold 'With his expert guidance we travel around the globe, from Burundi to Honduras via Vietnam, sipping and spitting as we go. This is high geekery made palatable by the evident love pulsing through every sentence.' - The Guardian 'The subject of coffee has never been more, er, hot, and The World Atlas of Coffee takes a close look at its history and evolution, the international range of beans and all the best ways to enjoy coffee. Great pics too.' - Susy Atkins, The Telegraph For everyone who wants to understand more about coffee and its wonderful nuances and possibilities, this is the book to have. Coffee has never been better, or more interesting, than it is today. Coffee producers have access to more varieties and techniques than ever before and we, as consumers, can share in that expertise to make sure the coffee we drink is the best we can find. Where coffee comes from, how it was harvested, the roasting process and the water used to make the brew are just a few of the factors that influence the taste of what we drink. Champion barista and coffee expert James Hoffmann examines these key factors, looking at varieties of coffee, the influence of terroir, how it is harvested and processed, the roasting methods used, through to the way in which the beans are brewed. Country by country - from Bolivia to Zambia - he then identifies key characteristics and the methods that determine the quality of that country's output. Along the way we learn about everything from the development of the espresso machine, to why strength guides on supermarket coffee are really not good news. This is the first book to chart the coffee production of over 35 countries, encompassing knowledge never previously published outside the coffee industry.

The new edition of a critically acclaimed bestseller. "A beautiful, up-to-date oversized volume that is the equivalent of a small astronomy library...a superb visual reference." - Terence Dickinson, SkyNews "Highly recommended." - Booklist (of the 2nd Edition) Firefly Atlas of the Universe is the ultimate reference to the stars, planets and celestial objects using the most comprehensive information currently available. The book features the latest images from the Hubble Space Telescope, the Very Large Telescope, Mars Express, the Cassini spacecraft and 2004 Huygens probe of Saturn and Titan. The stunning images are explained with clear and detailed text. The full color book illustrates and explains: Exploring the Universe: the history and current state of astronomy and space exploration The Solar System: Earth and other planets, mapped and imaged with data from the most recent mission probes The Sun: astrophysical phenomena from sunspots to eclipses The Stars: movements and life cycles, novae and supernovae, black holes, and more The Universe: the origin and nature of the universe, our galaxy, local and remote galaxies, quasars, and the question of alien life Star Maps: whole sky maps with 22 alphabetized chapter listings of stars and constellations, and seasonal charts for both northern and southern hemispheres. Firefly Atlas of the Universe is a fascinating and encyclopedic reference illustrated with spectacular color photographs and illustrations.

This atlas covers the Earth continent by continent.