This fascinating new book describes how Japan grew from rule by local chieftains to an emperor-led nation with many noble families competing for prominence. Beautiful spreads and full-color photographs unveil Japan's rich history and the people who struggled to make it their own. Topics include - wet rice cultivation - trade with other cultures, their influence, and isolation in the 17th century - from early pit dwellings to the development of castle towns - nature worship, the rise of Shinto, and Buddhism and Confucianism - life as a samurai warrior - sword making and pottery - herbal medicine Teacher's guide available.

A comprehensive pocket guide to dinosaurs and prehistoric animals and the world they inhabited millions of years ago. Packed with more than 700 full-colour illustrations, this definitive pocket guide paints a vivid portrait of extraordinary dinosaurs and prehistoric animals, and the ecosystems they lived in millions of years ago. Journey back in time and discover the incredible lives and habitats of dinosaurs, pterosaurs, marine reptiles, and prehistoric beasts. This fascinating guide explores every era of prehistoric life, from the Precambrian and Palaeozoic eras, when animals first began evolving to the Jurassic and Mesozoic era, which first saw the flourishing and then the eventual extinction of the dinosaurs. Learn more about prehistoric animals and the world they inhabited millions of years ago through detailed profiles of 200 dinosaurs and other ancestors of modern animals. These profiles are jargon-free and based on the latest science. This dinosaur encyclopedia is filled with crystal-clear artwork and photographs, fossils, and replica models showing the unique features of the different species. A Visual Guide to 200 Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals Part of the relaunched series of the popular DK Handbooks, this fact-filled book features a refreshed design and updated content. Packed with jaw-dropping images, fascinating dinosaur facts and straight-forward explanations, it's the perfect gift for budding palaeontologists of all ages or geology students. Inside the pages of this dinosaur encyclopedia from DK Books, you'll discover: - Maps indicating the location of where each animal's fossils have been found - Illustrations detailing the size of each animal in comparison to humans - Detailed, jargon-free profiles of 200 species with fun facts for quick reference

This book is intended for ages 8-14. From the first hunting and gathering societies to the great Nubian kingdoms of Kush, Africa has for centuries been the centre of great cultural activity across its mountains, deserts, and rainforests. Life in Ancient Africa portrays the major civilisations of the ancient African era using maps and beautiful full-colour photographs and illustrations. Topics include: Zimbabwe, Aksum, Meroe, Ghana, Mali, and Songhai; the rise of hundreds of regional dialects; pyramids, temples, royal tombs, and palaces; irrigation and other farming techniques; Trans-Sahara caravan routes and trade with the rest of the world; the discovery of mineral resources; an oral storytelling culture; music and dance.

This amazing book provides a snapshot of the arts and cultures across various ancient civilizations. Read about

This book is intended for ages 8-14. The ancient Incas developed a government based on the conquest of neighbouring communities, at the same time preserving the local customs and traditions of the cultures that came before. Beautiful images portray the land now known as Peru, as well as the astounding people who lived there prior to the arrival of the Spanish. Topics include: the Moche and Nazca peoples; agricultural innovations, including irrigation and terraced farming; Nazca geoglyphs and ray centres; record-keeping when most could not read or write; mummification, textile weaving, pottery, ancestor and nature worship; and the extensive Inca road network.