Time Planet Earth: An Illustrated History (Hardcover)

by Editors of Time Magazine (Author)
Key Phrases: sphaira ball, Dead Sea, New Zealand, South America (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The third planet from the sun is mankind's home - but how well do you know it? Its molten core, for instance, is hotter than the surface of the sun. Now, TIME presents an unrivaled portrait of Planet Earth: its violent history, its vast oceans, its constantly changing geology, its life-sheltering atmosphere, its fascinating life forms, and its imperiled climate.

TIME joins scientists in the field, visits with indigenous people and consults with experts to report on the biggest story of this year and every year: Planet Earth. And we visit the Earth's extremes: the longest rivers, tallest mountains and driest deserts on the planet. This beautifully illustrated volume, featuring the work of award-winning photographers, presents a portrait of our wondrous planet--and of all the beings that call it home--that is revelatory, awe-inspiring and essential.

* Perfect for those who want simply to enjoy beautiful photographs or those who want to learn the history, geology, geography, and life forms on this planet
* Divided into broad major sections, containing spreads that function as individual units and as a larger theme
* Includes fascinating, informative graphic spreads from TIME's celebrated graphic artists--from the science of wildfires to what happens inside a hurricane
* Features multiple points of entry: a spread might contain three or four sidebars--trivia, definitions, scientific debates, history, locations, Top Ten lists--all guaranteed to add fun and information

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Time (October 14, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1603200320
• ISBN-13: 978-1603200325
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 10.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #344,925 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enthusiastically recommended as a gift book for nature or wildlife photography lovers , October 9, 2008

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Planet Earth: An Illustrated History is a stunningly beautiful coffee table book, featuring full-color photography of Earth's environment and biosphere - from a grizzly bear about to catch a salmon mid-leap to penguin parents protecting their chicks to the leaping courtship of European hares and much more. The reader-friendly text describes the wonders of nature, some dazzling, some harsh, as well introducing one to the geology and climatology of the planet. An educational and informative text, enthusiastically recommended as a gift book for nature or wildlife photography lovers as well as for public library collections.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars disappointing -- the colors are dull and lifeless, October 24, 2008

By	Rita - See all my reviews

I first heard about this book on one of the network morning shows, which I was watching in HD, and the pictures looked amazing -- bright and vibrant, with subjects that were interesting, quirky and fun. The reality is that although the subjects really are interesting, quirky, and fun, the colors in the actual book are dull and lifeless, not the high gloss, vibrant colors I expected from the HDTV pictures.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Is Amazing, November 19, 2008

By	Carolyn Tetreault - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is so beautiful and informational it is amazing I am going to give it to my 12 year old grandchild for Christmas and I know the whole family will love it