National Geographic

An Uncommon History of Common Things

Sometime about 30,000 years ago, somebody stuck a sharp rock into a split stick—and presto! The axe was born. Our inquisitive species just loves tinkering, testing, and pushing the limits, and this delightfully different book is a freewheeling reference to hundreds of customs, notions, and inventions that reflect human ingenuity throughout history.From hand tools to holidays to weapons …

Learn more

Jesus: An Illustrated Life

Two thousand years after his death, Jesus of Nazareth remains one of history’s most influential and fascinating figures. In this powerful, elegantly written, and expertly illustrated celebration, Jean-Pierre Isbouts brings readers into Jesus’ life journey on a deeply human level, narrating his experiences from his earliest years to his mission travels in lower Galilee to his final days …

Learn more

The Generals: Patton, MacArthur, Marshall, and the Winning of World War II

Celebrated historian Winston Groom tells the intertwined and uniquely American tales of George Patton, Douglas MacArthur, and George Marshall – from the World War I battle that shaped them to their greatest victory: leading the allies to victory in World War II. These three remarkable men-of-arms who rose from the gruesome hell of the First World War to become …

Learn more

The Untold Civil War: Exploring the Human Side of War

Was Gettysburg a tactical success, or was the outcome determined by a far more mundane factor: access to fresh water? How did the need to spread information about the dead and wounded give rise to the U.S. Postal Service? Did President Lincoln really age so dramatically during the course of the war, or was a rare disease to …

Learn more

National Geographic Almanac of World History, 3rd Edition

Epic in scope, yet loaded with captivating detail, this completely updated edition of National Geographic’s bestselling Almanac of World History encompasses all of human history, from ancient times to present. It is a rich chronicle of great ages and cultures told in a vivid and varied format, a masterly combination of visual appeal and authoritative heft, a book …

Learn more

National Geographic Concise History of the World: An Illustrated Time Line

From the dawn of humankind to today’s global complexities, this monumental volume presents world history from an original perspective that provides fresh insights with every colorful spread. Few references are as invaluable, all-inclusive, and satisfying to browse. For readers of all ages, world history is easily accessible, depicted as never before—so that events occurring simultaneously around the world …

Learn more

An Uncommon History of Common Things, Volume 2

This vivid, engrossing book reveals the fascinating stories behind the objects in your world, what you wear, what you eat, what entertains you, and more. Discover the history behind the world’s tallest skyscrapers, find out when people first started drinking caffeine and why it wakes us up, and learn how GPS came to be.  For those who loved the …

Learn more

National Geographic Guide to the World’s Supernatural Places: More Than 250 Spine-Chilling Destinations Around the Globe

Witches and demons, ghosts and vampires, aliens and voodoo spirits… from spooky to chilling to downright weird, signs of the supernatural have terrified — and fascinated — people for centuries. Dare to discover some of the world’s most puzzling enigmas in this remarkable book, which reveals a dazzling array of haunted castles, forbidden hideaways and otherwise eerie landmarks. …

Learn more

National Geographic Tales of the Weird: Unbelievable True Stories

When a farmer in Spain captured a two-headed snake in 2002, scientists wanted to study it. When National Geographic Daily News published a story about the discovery, people wanted to read all about it. More than a million people clicked on the site and kept coming back for more unbelievably true stories. An Internet sensation was born.Since then, …

Learn more

Life is Good: The Book

From Life is Good founders and brothers Bert and John Jacobs, this inspiring book of wisdom celebrates the power of optimism: the driving force behind their beloved, socially conscious clothing and lifestyle brand, now worth more than $100 million.Following the chronology of their personal and professional journeys, Bert and John share their unique ride—from their scrappy upbringing outside …

Learn more