Natural History by DK Publishing

Natural History Reviews

• 
  Cheryl

  Even in this day of internet-(almost) everywhere, books like this are valuable. The page-by-page organization reveals so much about our world that bouncing around on the Web would not. Children and autodidacts (like me) can readily zoom in on the notes about the most interesting-looking samples, discover that there's not enough information there, and then go to the internet to learn more.
  
  It definitely does not stand alone, however, as each entry is so very brief. Books like
  Actual Size are necessary, for example, because even though a size note is given for each critter, adjacent examples are not at all to scale. Also, the blurbs are random: some mention only color, some only habitat, some only prevalence, etc.
  
  I really appreciate the 'debate' boxes that emphasize the concept of 'science as a verb,' so to speak. Too often scientific information has been presented as established fact; this book reminds the reader that scientists are constantly working towards better understandings. For example, I learned from this that pandas are, after all, sufficiently akin to black, brown, and polar bears to be called 'panda bears.' (Of course, the incorrectness of 'koala bears' stands.)
  
  I learned lots of interesting stuff. For example, did you know that Mangos and Cashews are of the same family, and that they are of the same order as Maples and Citrus? And check out the markings on the Blue-Ringed Octopus!
  
  Even though I did not read every word (who could?!) I did spend a full moment, at least, on every page, and so I am counting it as 'read.'
• 
  Rini

  At first I was hesitant - It was $50, it was heavy and hard to carry, how would I ever explain it to my mother? But in the year that I've owned it, this book has sustained me through many sick days passed out on the couch and lazy days when TV sucks and times when I just needed to shut everything out and look at pictures of owls and flowers.
• 
  Rebekah

  A gorgeously photographed visual dictionary of living life on earth. I checked this out so my ESL student and I can go over some vocabulary and pronunciation. This would also make a great coffee table book.
• 
  Michelle

  This is a BEAUTIFUL book, fascinating for kids and adults (especially once we flipped past a little evolution and global warming on the first few pages). A good Christmas gift for the whole family...
• 
  Freda Mans-Labianca

  When I was a kid, my mom had a set of encyclopedia's I couldn't keep my hands off. This book instantly reminded me of that set, only if it came all in one book.
  There is everything from the animal kingdom, plant life and even stones and crystals. All that is created seems to be featured in this book.
  I will note, the publisher website states ages 18 and up, and I am glad for that, though I think younger teens would enjoy this book. I just found it to be very adult in terms, so small children will enjoy the photos, but not understand any of the terms used.
  It is still one of those books you can read time and time again. And would be great for helping in Science class.
• 
  Kellie

  I own thousands of books. My fiancée owns more than I do. This book has made me happier than any book I've ever owned. The only word I can think of to describe it is: it made me breathless. Ok, that is 4 words, but it IS amazing.
  
  
  
  Had to add: BEST BOOK EVER!!!!!!!!!
• 
  Regina Hunter

  Truly is an amazing book. Although I wish for a little more information - but I think otherwise this book would explode! It was a very nice and a thoughtful gift, from a very dear friend. I have read this book a couple times since my birthday and still skimming though it.
  Thank you Kasia.
• 
  David Skies

  The Ultimate Visual Guide to Everything on Earth? Where was my picture, DK Publishing? Where?
• 
  Des Larsen

  Absolutely love this book.
  It has caused many, many hours of accidental research, and I'm sure there will still be many more.
• 
  Mariah

  This had beautiful pictures and wonderful overviews and tidbits of info on each subject in the book. I enjoyed reading it.
• 
  Kevin Hodgson

  Pretty amazing photos and just sheer scale of the book … I flipped and flipped and flipped and kept coming upon amazing things about life on Earth
• 
  Cass

  If you have children or are looking for a truly awesome book to buy as a present for kids.. then get this. It is loaded with amazing pictures of plants, animals and rocks, with just enough writing that you can answer questions.
  
  It is huge, I am always amazed when I see my 4 year old carrying it into the room... and she is always carrying it into the room. She fell in love with it when she was 2years old. She would turn the pages and look at the amazing pictures or she would play her favourite "what is" game and point at things and ask what it was (sounds cute, honestly she drove us mad with that game, it was 24/7 for months).
  
  It has been used a lot more seriously the last few years. Anytime she has a question she will pull it out and look through it. If she sees an animal we will pull it out and see if there is a photo in the book (usually there is).
  
  I implore you to buy this book for your child.
• 
  Tom

  OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOh
  MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMY
  GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGOSH
  
  This is the most amazing book in the world.
  
  Why I chose to read it, well duh it says the Natural History book, they even have a whole page on Phylogenetic s. And if you own the book and look on the back it says " Over 5,000 illustrations of everything living on Earth- From granites to grapevines, microbes to mammals". I also chose to read it because it was half price at Borders.
  
  Who would I recommend this book to- anyone who is a crazy natural history freak like me.
• 
  Stuart

  One of those magical books that helps recapture a youth flicking through my Dad's field guides and looking through various encyclopaedias at all the wonderful and weird creatures that inhabit our planet. Every house should own a copy of this book, with it's wonderful pictures of everything on earth from single cell microscopic archaeas that live on hydrothermal vents in the depth of our oceans to the mighty elephants and the plants they live on. Just one complaint there's some large pictures of mandrills in this book and mandrills freak me out!
• 
  Martin Budd

  This astonishing and breathtaking book marks the pinnacle of natural history publishing. With the growth in multimedia technology this book is unlikely ever to be surpassed by another work of print alone. The rich deep natural colours of the photographs, the clear and concise prose make it an accessible book for all age groups from 7 years upwards. Many of the articles and pictures inspire further research and study, and the sheer pleasure of holding and browsing this book will make you want to keep it close to your favourite armchair.
• 
  Hemen Kalita

  6 Stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  
  I love DK large volume reference books. They are huge and full of data. I now have over ten and will buy more in the future. "The Natural History Book" is one of the best from DK, Its quite similar to
  Animal: The Definitive Visual Guide to the World's Wildlife in size and content. Apart from animals it has additional sections like Rocks, minerals, fossil, fungi and micro-organisms.
• 
  Alex

  The pictures are inspiring, and the descriptions are beautifully written giving you a very brief overview of so many species. As a biologist, I have very few bones to pick with this book. It is wonderfully written for its purpose and would be a lovely addition in any library. Great for those of all ages! It is a gorgeous coffee table book as well, one you can pick up for a brief daily download of knowledge.
• 
  Karlissa J.

  A constantly-referenced guide as I research animals - and I research animals often. Helpful features include quality photographs for each species, a diverse collection of species, inclusion of family name (along with the scientific name), and size and global range description for each entry. I find this book helpful in many circumstances, since it also includes rocks, fungi, and plants, and the animals featured are not only wild varieties but also some domestic breeds.
• 
  Rebecca

  While this is quite a hefty book, it is well worth its weight! As both a nature lover and a lover of facts, this book was right up my alley. This book is like walking into a really nice natural history museum and being blown away by how beautiful it is. You’ll walk around all day telling people new facts you’ve picked up. I was particularly interested in Pele’s Hair; it’s really cool!
• 
  Lily

  I fell in love with this book at Barnes and Noble and bought it in a moment of weakness. I hardly ever look at it, but it's a beautiful book with amazing photographs. It would be a great book to have in a waiting room.
  
• 
  Lusine

  Amazing book, for everyone! Wonders of nature are endless and this book gives you an amazing glimpse on their diversity. My table book, never tired of opening it over and over again! Recommend to all earthlings!:)
• 
  Cathy

  A fascinating book covering all aspects of life and also other planetary treasures such as rocks and minerals. Not a light tome it is over 600 pages and about 12" x 12". It is lavishly illustrated with hundreds of photographs.
• 
  Andrea Norton

  I read this cover to cover, as I usually do with books like this. The pictures are phenomenal and the information is just right. If you're into the natural history of the world, this is a must have for your book collection.
• 
  Jessica

  This is the new edition of one of my all-time favorites. I love how through this book is and how I find something new in it every time I look through. I would love to have a copy for my classroom. Highly recommended.
• 
  Jessica

  A-maz-ing. If I could get my arms wrapped around it, I would hug it, but it is too big. Heavy enough to be used as a weapon also. Just some info for you to keep around in your noggin.
• 
  Joline Moore

  WOW what an amazing collection~ absolutely everything in here as advertised! Kids really loved leafing thru it and looking at everything from germs to mushrooms to animal life! ME TOO!