What is a country? Acclaimed travel writer and Oxford geography don Nick Middleton brings to life the origins and histories of fifty states that, lacking international recognition and United Nations membership, exist on the margins of legitimacy in the global order. From long-contested lands like Crimea and Tibet to lesser-known territories such as Africa's last colony and a European republic that enjoyed independence for a single day, Middleton presents...

A basic guide for beginning observers of the night sky, introducing information on the locations, names, and characteristics of stars.

Provides a fascinating visual introduction to our planet and its treasures with stunning maps, illustrations and photographs.

A pictorial guide to the human body.

Over 150 full color maps describing the physical, cultural, naturaland economic structure of our planet. Includes index, glossary, andgazetteer.

A study tool for any standardized geography test for middle and high-school students. Includes 90 maps, 40 charts and graphs, full-color photo essays, web sites, country flags and facts, metric and U.S. measurements, and more.

Maps, illustrations, and text describe various aspects of countries of the world including physical features, population, standards of living, natural resources, industries, environmental issues, and climate.

Contains over seventy-five political and physical maps, including countries created by the breakup of the U.S.S.R., and a space-related section that charts the solar system; and includes an encyclopedic index of more than 140,000 entries, country summaries, thematic essays, and other information.