Ever since he was a teenager growing up in Houston, Texas, Carlyle Thompson wanted to visit Africa. In 2006, he got his chance. Thompson shares his incredible journey to one of the world's most mysterious countries in "Africa: A Photographic Safari."

Instead of traveling to Africa as a tourist, Thompson chose to go as a photographer. He explores the red soil of Africa for five days in the bush, and through the lens of his camera he is exposed to a completely different aspect of visiting a foreign country. From wildlife safaris to coming face-to-face with the Laikipia Masai and Samburu people, Thompson experiences Africa at its most intimate.

Thompson's stunning pictures and vivid descriptions create a sobering portrait of Africa's poverty. In a place so rich in mystical beauty, minerals, and wildlife, Africa's poor present a marked contrast to their environment. Yet Thompson shows the warmth and strength of these people who love life despite having to do without.

A truly remarkable work, "Africa: A Photographic Safari" takes you into the very heart of Africa and reveals the triumphant nature of the human spirit.

With its superb photography, highly readable text and diversity of locations, Natural Wonders: Mountain, Rainforest & Reef takes the reader on a voyage of discovery. From the coral reefs of Southeast Asia to the snowy mountains of Hokkaido in Japan, from the rich diversity of the rainforest to live volcanos, from misty cloud forest to idyllic islands, this book brings each and every habitat to life. Gibbons and orangutans, exquisite birds and jewel-bright insects, snakes and sea turtles, orchids and mangroves - all the richness of the wildlife and plants of eight different regions is captured here.

Mark Smoot, professional Landscape architect and passionate photographer from California, took a job in South Africa in 1982 at the height of Apartheid. Fascinated to learn about this new world, he began taking road trips, exploring dusty roads and remote villages with his Nikon on the car seat beside him.

Mark’s focus soon became the self-built, rural homes of the indigenous peoples that he found to be meticulously maintained, decorated with loving care and fitting in complete harmony with their surroundings. The resulting portfolio of 577 full-colour photographs, taken over seven years and poignantly capturing a time and cultures that no longer exist, remained boxed away for decades as Mark continued to travel and work around the world. Finally, while locked down during the global covid-19 pandemic, Mark took out the photographs and put them together with 26 sketch illustrations, construction methods, tribal histories and his memories of adventures into this 303 page volume.

Mark’s work provides a rare insight into the lives (at that time) of indigenous peoples from 14 tribal groups of 6 different countries and the complex historical forces that impacted their traditions and vernacular architecture.