Paul Theroux invites you to join him on the journey of a lifetime, in the grand romanttic tradition, by train across Euope, through the vast underbelly of Asia and in the heart of Russia, and then up to China. Here is China by rail, as seen and heard through the eyes and ears of one of the most intrepid and insightful travel writers of our time.

Vividly and lavishly illustrated, the Atlas of the World's Deserts examines the hostile and extreme environments that cover more than a seventh of the world's surface. The atlas demonstrates how, in spite of such harsh conditions, fauna and flora have developed and flourished, and humans have adapted to living in seemingly inhospitable environments.

In these 4 all-new titles-each with its own clip-art CD and wall chart-DK shines its Eyewitness spotlight on vital topics from the past, present, and future. While Mesopotamia explore the cradle of civilization and Great Scientists reveals the minds that shaped the modern world, China investigates the present-day culture of the most populous country on the planet, and Oil takes a look at the controversial substance responsible for the beginning-and, if we're not careful, the end of life as we know it today.

Written by today's experts for the experts of tomorrow, Eyewitness Experts are great big gift packs that blitz the top-selling topics children really love. Open them up and you'll find everything you need to nurture their interest, whether novice or nerd. These are gifts to treasure and return to and grow with.

Each year, more than a million Canadians, affectionately dubbed "Snowbirds," migrate to southern climes to enjoy warm weather and sandy beaches. The strong Canadian dollar is making the trip more affordable and attractive than ever. But post-9/11, Canadians face tighter security, higher health costs, and higher fuel costs when traveling to the US. Canadians must budget accordingly. Especially for first-timers, how can they properly plan their trip to ensure a worry-free time away from home?

Combining current trends, academic theories, and historical insights, this travel guide brings both lesser-known and famous European spiritual locales into perspective by explaining the significance of each sacred site. The cultural relevance, history, and spirituality of each site—including Stonehenge, the Acropolis, Mont Saint Michel, Pompeii, and Saint Peter’s Basilica—are explained, creating a moving and artistic travel experience. Each destination—with selections spanning more than 15 countries throughout Europe—is accompanied by easy-to-follow maps and directions.