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Books > Travel > Travel & holiday guides > Museum, historic sites, gallery & art guides
There are two major types of battlefield terrain in South Africa:
first the open plains and savannah lands of the Highveld, a land
where cavalry rules supreme. The second type is the thornbush of
the Eastern Cape, a setting more suited to skirmishing rather than
set-piece battles. Then, in KwaZulu-Natal, the two terrains merge
to create the country s most dramatic battlefield landscape and one
of the largest military graveyards in the world where the fates of
colonies, republics and kingdoms were decided.For more than two
centuries, from the late 1700s to the early 1900s, conflict, in one
form or another, swept across this countryside; its combatants as
diverse, hardy and tenacious as the land and its resources that
almost always was at the root of hostilities.In this groundbreaking
book, author and specialist battlefields guide, Nicki von der
Heyde, presents over 70 battles and skirmishes covering five wars
that shaped the course of South African history from the Frontier
Wars that started in 1779 to the Second-Anglo Boer War of 1899
1902, a bitter and costly confrontation triggered by the discovery
of the world s richest gold fields on the Witwatersrand.Detailed
accounts of the engagements, based on extensive research, are
provided, with special attention given to the terrain, key phases
and outcomes, and the combatants involved. Battle timelines
succinctly set out the passage of each campaign, while
international timelines catalogue concurrent events around the
world.More than 400 original documentary and contemporary
photographs and over 60 short features have been assembled to
provide a rich, enthralling and haunting account of these momentous
events. Detailed historical maps that include annotations have been
created for 16 high-profile engagements, while 10 regional maps
indicate the locations of the battle sites. Arranged in regional
order, with concise directions to each battle site and GPS
coordinates for main locations, the "Field Guide to South Africa s
Battlefields" is not only indispensable for professional and
amateur military historians, but is of great interest to general
readers, too if only as a reminder of the devastating human cost of
war and the value of exploring the past to make sense of the
present.It is beautifully illustrated with historical and
contemporary photographs and detailed battle and regional maps."
A small and nifty guide to the best free activities across London -
covering everything from architectural gems and panoramic views, to
green spaces, galleries and unique events. In a bustling and often
expensive metropolis, being able to make the most out of what this
city has to offer can sometimes be challenging. Free London takes
in the full breadth of experiences on offer, including
centuries-old traditions, the world's best art, hidden green spaces
and unexpected views of the city. See London from a new perspective
and start planning your next day out - for free. Perfect for
tourists, visitors and Londoners alike.
Harry Potter: A History of Magic is the official book of the
record-breaking British Library exhibition, a once-in-a-lifetime
collaboration between Bloomsbury, J.K. Rowling and a team of
brilliant curators. As the spectacular show takes up residence at
the New York Historical Society from October 2018, this gorgeous
book - available in paperback for the first time - takes readers on
a fascinating journey through the subjects studied at Hogwarts
School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, from Astronomy and Potions
through to Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures. Each chapter
showcases a treasure trove of artefacts from the British Library
and other collections around the world, beside exclusive
manuscripts, sketches and illustrations from the Harry Potter
archive. There's also a specially commissioned essay for each
subject area by an expert, writer or cultural commentator, inspired
by the contents of the exhibition - absorbing, insightful and
unexpected contributions from Steve Backshall, the Reverend Richard
Coles, Owen Davies, Julia Eccleshare, Roger Highfield, Steve
Kloves, Lucy Mangan, Anna Pavord and Tim Peake, who offer a
personal perspective on their magical theme. Readers will be able
to pore over ancient spell books, amazing illuminated scrolls that
reveal the secret of the Elixir of Life, vials of dragon's blood,
mandrake roots, painted centaurs and a genuine witch's broomstick,
in a book that shows J.K. Rowling's magical inventions alongside
their cultural and historical forebears. This is the ultimate gift
for Harry Potter fans, curious minds, big imaginations,
bibliophiles and readers around the world who missed out on the
chance to see the exhibition in person.
Explore Scotland's most famous castle -- home to kings and queens,
the site of historic battles, and probably the best-known place in
Scotland. Published in partnership with history experts at
Edinburgh Castle and Historic Environment Scotland, this fun,
fact-packed book includes everything you need to know about the
castle's 1000-year history: -- Its most famous residents and
treasures -- Who attacked the castle, and who tried to defend it --
Its dank dungeons and the prisoners who tried to escape -- The
terrible battles and incredible sieges -- The secrets and the
mysteries Conveying fascinating facts through simple words and
loads of historically accurate illustrations, Edinburgh Castle for
Kids will appeal to a wide age range of young visitors from all
over the world. Each section includes a fun activity -- mazes,
doodling and colouring, spot the difference, untangle, search and
find and join the dots. With a mix of brilliant facts and enjoyable
activities, Edinburgh Castle for Kids is the ultimate guide for
kids to Scotland's most famous landmark -- whether you've visited
or not!
"Art+ NYC" is anart-lover s guide to New York City that combines a
crash course in 20th- and 21st-centuryarthistory with in-depth bios
of nine celebrated New York City artists: Jackson Pollock, Andy
Warhol, Cindy Sherman, Yoko Ono, Mark Rothko, Jeff Koons, Donald
Judd, Roy Lichtenstein, and Robert Rauschenberg. Each segment is
written by a leading art writer from publications such as "Art in
America," "Flaunt," and the "New York Times." Filled with useful
information for both locals and tourists, "Art + NYC" includes
comprehensive neighborhood-by-neighborhood gallery and museum
listings, along with studios and other artsy places of interest. In
addition, sidebars include the hotels and restaurants that are
steeped with history artist hangouts, residences, and events of
infamy. Also included is an extensive index of paintings,
sculptures, and public art by New York City artists; detailed maps
for 13 neighborhoods; a Q&A with a curator, gallerist, or
artist for each NYC neighborhood; and a museum, gallery, and studio
directory."
100 Best Paintings in New York is an amalgam of commentary and
tourist guide leading to a greater understanding and appreciation
of thr paintings chosen. The descriptions draw attention to
fascinating details in each work and look at why, where or for what
occasion they were painted. A biographical chronology of each
artist accompanies the essays as well as a sample listing of works
by other contemporary painters. From Jan van Eyck to Mark Rothko;
from Diego Velazquez to Georgia O'Keefe, 100 Best Paintings in New
York covers the complete spectrum of masterpieces in New York's
great galleries.
Dominating the city from its volcanic rock, Edinburgh Castle is one
of the oldest fortified places in Europe. This natural stronghold
has been occupied for thousands of years, shifting its shape as it
was adapted for new uses and against new threats. The castle has
long been a royal residence and a focus for national pride - a
place of strength where kings and queens could enjoy relative
safety in turbulent times, and national treasures could be securely
stored. It has been at the heart of Scotland's major events, fought
over, held and recaptured time after time. In fact, it is the most
besieged place in Great Britain, and remained in military use well
into the past century. Over the years Edinburgh Castle has
attracted countless visitors with an interest in Scotland's
dramatic history. This book invites visitors to explore the castle
and learn about its extraordinary history and discover some of its
fascinating secrets.
Celebrating a "golden age" of travel, this new book retraces the
steps of a Grand Tour of South East Asia from the turn of the 20th
century to the present day. The Romance of the Grand Tour explores
the living heritage of 12 exotic port cities: from Rangoon
(Yangon), through the Straits Settlements of Penang, Malacca and
Singapore and the old Dutch East Indies cities of Batavia (Jakarta)
and Surabaya, via Bangkok to former Indochina at Saigon (Ho Chi
Minh City), Phnom Penh and Hanoi, through Manila to Hong Kong.
Drawing on archival images and accounts as well as present-day
photographs and illustrations, the book captures the romance and
excitement of these early Grand Tourists, while presenting
contemporary scenes and experiences for 21st-century travellers
determined to seek out the legacy of a bygone era.
This visually stunning guide takes you on a journey to some of
London's most interesting, surprising and unique places. London is
packed with little-known treasures: remarkably preserved historical
houses, fascinating museums and galleries, unusual commercial and
industrial buildings and sumptuous interiors that are glimpsed only
on special occasions. A follow-up to the hugely successful Unseen
London and London Uncovered,London Explored is a unique London
guidebook that opens the doors to more than sixty of the capital's
most surprising and intriguing places. The locations include an
upmarket gun shop, a working bronze foundry, a secret underground
bunker, a lavish casino and a jewel-like chapel. Mark Daly's lively
commentary accompanies the stunning photography of Peter Dazeley.
From the lavish eighteenth-century private members' clubs of
Westminster and the grand magnificence of the Admiralty Arch,
through the city's wide array of cultural and historical museums,
to a look inside the lesser known sights like Tower Bridge
lifeboate station or Clapham's enormous abandonded underground bomb
shelter, this beautiful compendium delves into the history and
heritage of these places, offering a fascinating picture of one of
the world's great cities as it was and as it is today. Explore
London with this special guide to the city's secret and surprising
buildings. Describing the history and the character of each place,
the book uncovers a wealth of stories about an endlessly remarkable
world city with its own unique character. Praise for Peter Dazeley
and Mark Daly's previous book Unseen London: 'A thrilling tour
behind the closed doors of the capital city's buildings.' Daily
Telegraph 'Dazeley captures the atmosphere of each building to
perfection.' Daily Express 'Fascinating' Fabric magazine 'A joy'
Evening Standard
Discover Scotland's ancient monuments and castles. Explore
Scotland's ancient monuments with this pictorial map featuring over
700 castles and fortified houses. Includes an easy-to-use index
listing visitor information and an attractive selection of
photographs. The map includes: * Over 700 castles and fortications
* Index comprises map references, the age and type of each castle,
public access details, Historic Scotland and National Trust for
Scotland ownership, notable grounds and gardens, telephone numbers
and websites * Highlights Scotland's finest castles, castellated
mansions and also the best castles for children * Attractive
photographs of a selection of castles, together with a brief
account of their history * A brief history of Scottish castles and
information on architectural types and periods of construction *
Internet links and suggested reading for further information
Scotland is a country as rich in castles and fortified houses as
any other in Europe - this map is a guide to them Other titles in
the series include: Tartans Map of Scotland Scotland of Old Map
Clans Map Whisky Map of Scotland
The BKB travel guide presents everything you need for your short
stay in Leipzig including information on attractive city quarters,
addresses for accommodation, shopping and of course entertainment.
Highlights includeThomaskirche, Johann-Sebastian-Bach, Gewandhaus
Orchestra, Auerbachs Keller, Altes Rathaus, Arcades shopping,
nightlife, Battle of the Nations Monument, Trade Fair Leipzig,
Nikolaikirche, Plagwitz and Leipziger Pfeffermuhle.
This guidebook tells the full story of this special place, from its
origins as a timber-framed yeomans hall-house through to its 1920s
restoration; a place that has continued to surprise and delight
visitors since it was left to the National Trust nearly a century
ago. Saved from destruction by Arts and Crafts scholar, Aymer
Vallance, this medieval hall-house isnt quite what it seems.
Starting life around 1480, Stoneacre was built from the ragstone
quarry in which the house sits. Yet when Arts and Crafts scholar
and disciple of William Morris, Aymer Vallance, bought Stoneacre in
1922 his wife remarked that it was practically a ruin. After years
of neglect, Stoneacre had fallen into a state of disrepair.
Together with his architect, Marshall Harvey, Vallance set about
restoring the dilapidated house, and adding to it with parts from
other local Tudor buildings and his own stained glass window
designs. This guidebook tells the full story of this special place,
from its origins as a timber-framed yeomans hall-house through to
its 1920s restoration; a place that has continued to surprise and
delight visitors since it was left to the National Trust nearly a
century ago.
Built between 1855 and 1860, Oxford University Museum of Natural
History is the extraordinary result of close collaboration between
artists and scientists. Inspired by John Ruskin, the architect
Benjamin Woodward and the Oxford scientists worked with leading
Pre-Raphaelite artists on the design and decoration of the
building. The decorative art was modelled on the Pre-Raphaelite
principle of meticulous observation of nature, itself indebted to
science, while individual artists designed architectural details
and carved portrait statues of influential scientists. The entire
structure was an experiment in using architecture and art to
communicate natural history, modern science and natural theology.
'Temple of Science' sets out the history of the campaign to build
the museum before taking the reader on a tour of art in the museum
itself. It looks at the facade and the central court, with their
beautiful natural history carvings and marble columns illustrating
different geological strata, and at the pantheon of scientists.
Together they form the world's finest collection of Pre-Raphaelite
sculpture. The story of one of the most remarkable collaborations
between scientists and artists in European art is told here with
lavish illustrations.
1. Analyzing the conflicting meanings of the term ‘cultural
heritage’, this book outlines a framework that will allow the
reader to better grasp the theoretical and practical complexities
of this fascinating notion. 2. Gathering together a range of
existing views on cultural heritage and summarizing the strong and
weak points of the current discourse in a clear, direct way, the
book will be accessible to academics and students, as well as
heritage professionals. 3. There are a large number of books out
there about heritage, but many are quite dated and very few provide
a coherent and structured view of the theoretical tenets behind the
notion of cultural heritage and its practices, as the proposed book
will.
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