Books

FLORA MIRABILIS

2009-11-03

WASHINGTON (Nov. 3, 2009)—In the fifth century A.D., Alaric the Goth commanded his forces to retreat from Rome, as long as the Romans handed over 3,000 pounds of peppercorns. In the 1600s, the Dutch considered some tulips so precious that one bulb cost as much as a house. The first antidote for malaria was a tea brewed of Peruvian tree bark. Transported to Europe, it came to be called quinine — and changed the course of history.

These and hundreds of other fascinating stories about how plants have shaped and influenced history are told in FLORA MIRABILIS: How Plants Have Shaped World Knowledge, Health, Wealth, and Beauty (National Geographic Books; ISBN: 978-1-4262-0509-5; Oct. 20, 2009; $35; hardcover), a sumptuously illustrated volume from National Geographic and the Missouri Botanical Garden.

FLORA MIRABILIS, by Catherine Herbert Howell, recounts how plants and human civilizations have been linked through the centuries. From prehistory and the earliest uses of plants for food, shelter and tools to biblical references extolling the beauty of flowers in psalm and prayer to today's sophisticated uses of plants in pharmaceuticals and industry, the book traces botanical exploration and discovery and follows the evolving impact of plants on human life and development.
Individual plant profiles relate the extraordinary roles played by 27 of the plants most critical to human history, including wheat, rice, corn, rubber, sugarcane, tobacco, tea and cotton, and chronicle the roles they have played in matters of economics, politics and taste. Accompanying time lines highlight pivotal dates in the plants' histories, while captivating quotes from botanists, poets and philosophers express the importance and meaning of plants and nature to human life and enhance the authoritative narrative.

Providing a visual counterpoint to the engaging text are more than 200 rare and exquisite botanical prints, many never before published in modern times. The book draws primarily from the bounty of botanical illustrations housed at the Missouri Botanical Garden Library, leading the reader through centuries of fascination with the plant world. The illustrations in the book range from early stylized woodcuts dating from the 15th century through the intaglio etchings and engravings of the 16th to 18th centuries to the vibrant colors of the lithographs of the 19th and 20th centuries. The earliest work depicted in this volume is the "Gart der Gesundheit" ("Garden of Health"), a compendium of medicinal botany printed in Germany in 1487.

"The book offers a glimpse into the treasures housed in the library at the Missouri Botanical Garden that few of our visitors have the opportunity to view. It uses time lines, narrative and historic illustrations to tell the long and fascinating story of how the love of and quest for the botanical riches of our planet weave through all of human history. Botanical exploration and discovery, innovation and commerce based on the products of the plant world — these have been the driving forces of civilizations for millennia. The story told in these pages leaves no doubt that our human history is inexorably connected to the world of plants," said Douglas Holland, director of the Missouri Botanical Garden Library, in his introduction.

The foreword to the book is provided by Peter Raven, president of the Missouri Botanical Garden and one of the world's leading botanists and advocates of conservation and biodiversity. He is chairman of National Geographic's Committee for Research and Exploration.

Comprehensive and absorbing, FLORA MIRABILIS is as much a tale of adventure as it is a fascinating celebration of plants and the roles they have played through history. This elegantly designed book is sure to capture the interest and imagination of gardeners, naturalists, flower lovers, history buffs and anyone who has ever stopped to smell the roses.

Author Catherine Howell has written a number of books for National Geographic, including "Backyard Wilderness," "Mountain Life" and four volumes in the Nature Library series, and has contributed to dozens of other books, among them National Geographic's "Book of Peoples of the World," "Expeditions Atlas" and "The Curious Naturalist."

BRAIN: The Complete Mind

2009-11-03

WASHINGTON (Nov. 3, 2009)—Think of what your brain is doing as you are reading this: Billions of neurons are utilizing countless synapses to process the words and make you aware of what's happening around you, all while simultaneously controlling every emotion, breath, blink and heartbeat. How something so complex operates so smoothly has fascinated scientists for centuries. Now, a new book from National Geographic explores the many mysteries of the brain, providing insights into how your mind operates and strategies for keeping it healthy and active.

BRAIN: How It Develops, How It Works, and How to Keep It Sharp (National Geographic Books; ISBN: 978-1-4262-0547-7; Nov. 19, 2009; $40; hardcover), by Michael S. Sweeney, is a state-of-the-art reference to the body's command center as well as a manual for everyday living that gives direction on how to keep the brain flexible and young.

Overseen by distinguished neurologist Richard Restak, M.D., the book includes nine thoroughly researched chapters that cover the anatomy, myriad functions and amazing capabilities of this most complex organ that still has many secrets to reveal.

"Thanks to new and safer technologies... we've learned more about the brain during the last 20 years than the previous 500. Yet our knowledge is still limited," Restak writes in his foreword to the book. "Neuroscientists are feverishly pursuing the so far elusive goal of an overarching explanation of how the brain works. But here's one of the most inspiring insights about the brain: We can enhance our brain's performance by our own efforts. Thus learning about the brain provides a wonderful mix of instruction, amazement, and self improvement. As you gain knowledge, you're in a better position to improve its functioning and thereby increase the quality of your life."

This comprehensive book takes readers to the place where consciousness originates, every motion is governed and memories form. It explains the many functions and facets of the brain, from how the nervous system develops in the womb and how we learn and communicate to how emotions register in the brain and the inevitable changes that occur with time and age.

Lively, engaging text and hundreds of full-color photographs appear alongside a wealth of special features, from fact boxes that explain how optical illusions work and show how many neurons you have, to sidebars that document key breakthroughs such as how a dream led to the discovery of neurotransmitters, to practical tips and strategies, like how playing video games, practicing meditation and eating certain foods can help keep your brain sharp, focused and vibrant throughout your life.

"Fast fact" features throughout the book provide fascinating bits of information, such as "In social situations, the French touch each other about 200 times in a half hour. Americans do so twice." and "Adolescents who take medication for ADHD cut their risk for subsequent alcohol use by two-thirds." History sidebars reveal the stories behind historical neuroscience beliefs and the men and women who shaped them, while what-can-go-wrong sidebars discuss what happens to the brain when an injury or illness occurs, various treatments and current research. A comprehensive glossary is included in every chapter.

"BRAIN is that rarest of treasures: an easily readable book on a difficult and complex subject that is understandable, encompassing, entertaining, and just fun plain to read," writes Restak. "For the reader new to the subject, BRAIN provides a valuable and rewarding introduction. Those who are already 'hooked' on the subject will find a marvelous compendium of the current state of our knowledge, as well as provocative suggestions about the future direction of brain research."

Author Michael S. Sweeney is a professor in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University. He has written three books about wartime journalism and is acknowledged as an expert on wartime censorship in America. He has written several books for National Geographic, including "National Geographic Complete Survival Manual."

Richard Restak, M.D., is clinical professor of neurology at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He has served on many national advisory councils for brain research and has been a consultant on NBC's "Today" show. He is the bestselling author of 18 books, including "Think Smart: A Neuroscientist's Prescription for Improving Your Brain's Performance."

AN UNCOMMON HISTORY OF COMMON THINGS

2009-10-30

WASHINGTON (Oct. 30, 2009)—The first people to paint their nails were the Chinese, around 3,000 B.C. The earliest typewriters were the size of pianos. The bathing suit first appeared during the Greco-Roman era, then disappeared, resurfacing in the late 19th century. Queen Elizabeth l owned more than 2,000 pairs of gloves. These and a myriad other facts are to be found in a new book from National Geographic, publishing this fall, that gives the intriguing story behind hundreds of customs, events and everyday objects.

AN UNCOMMON HISTORY OF COMMON THINGS (National Geographic Books; ISBN: 978-1-4262-0420-3; Nov. 17, 2009; $40; hardcover), by Bethanne Patrick and John Thompson, is a wide-ranging compendium that reveals the curious origins and far-reaching implications of things we take for granted every day. Who invented underwear? The sandwich? Sneakers? What ancient society came up with time-release deodorant, glitter eye shadow and pregnancy tests? Where did we get the custom of handshaking — and why did George Washington disdain it? Which tool was the first one added to the Swiss Army knife — and what particular need did it fulfill?

This delightfully different reference book blends entertaining text, colorful illustrations, handy timelines and peerless research to explore a wide range of subjects, from holidays and health to food and footwear to toys and transportation. Would you believe that indoor plumbing dates at least as far back as 2600 B.C.? That we can thank medieval scribes for punctuation, capital letters and the handy space between written words? Did you know the American front porch is an architectural tradition from Africa...that an early version of pizza was baked on ancient warriors' shields...and that the word "ketchup" comes from the Chinese "ki-tsiap," meaning "fish sauce"?

Many of the book's revelations run counter to widely held beliefs: For instance, Viking burials typically did not involve a ship set ablaze at sea...tall buildings were not the first structures to be called "skyscrapers"...the original wearers of "loafers" were anything but lazy...and fax transmissions were possible before the American Civil War.

The foreword is by Henry Petroski, author and civil engineering professor at Duke University. "In all the artifacts we read about in this book, we can see the creativity and ingenuity of our human ancestors. Everything was created, invented, and developed for a purpose: Everything is the result of a kind of everyday engineering.

"With its wealth of information and a great deal of food for thought, this is a book that will reward the reader with old memories of things past and with new knowledge of things of today. And like any book worth reading, it will change the way we look at the world and the people who inhabit it and how they themselves have changed it," Petroski writes.

AN UNCOMMON HISTORY OF COMMON THINGS is a lively and rich read for history buffs, pop culture lovers and all seekers of trivia or little-known lore. Whether dipped into at random or read from cover to cover, this quirky reference book will inform, amuse, astonish — and make one look at everyday things and traditions with a fresh eye.

Bethanne Patrick is a freelance writer and book critic who blogs about publishing as the Book Maven. She also hosts an online interview show for PBS affiliate WETA. She has written for The Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, The Writer and People magazines and has authored several children's history readers. She lives in Arlington, Va.

John Thompson is the author or co-author of more than a dozen books, including "Dakotas," "Almanac of American History," "America's Historic Trails" and "Wildlands of the Upper South." His assignments have taken him to almost every U.S. state and have covered a wide range of natural and historical subjects. He lives in central Virginia.

Note: To arrange an interview with Bethanne Patrick or John Thompson, contact John McFeely at (202) 857-7659 or jmcfeely@ngs.org.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TO HOLD HUGE WAREHOUSE SALE AT WASHINGTON'S D.C. ARMORY NOV. 20-22

2009-10-27

WASHINGTON (Nov. 16, 2009)--National Geographic is bringing truckloads of books, maps, globes, toys, clothing, luggage and more to its warehouse sale in Washington, D.C., this week. The event will be held at the D.C. Armory from Friday, Nov. 20, to Sunday, Nov. 22, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

Fourteen tractor trailers will be loaded with almost everything that National Geographic has offered for sale in the past five years. Many of the items seen in National Geographic gift catalogs as well as 300 book titles will be available. Prices will be discounted up to 90 percent.

"This year's sale is one of the largest ever. We have more than 600 different products -- that's 200,000 of the best-quality books, maps, DVDs, toys, travel accessories and gifts from around the world," said Bill O'Donnell, director of sales, publishing.

New to the sale this year will be a display of rolled and framed prints of some of National Geographic's most iconic photographs, which are also available at www.printsNGS.com.

"Our warehouse sales attract both devoted fans of National Geographic and serious bargain hunters. They are a perfect opportunity to get a jump on holiday shopping. There is something for everybody on your list, be they professional or amateur traveler, adventurer, scientist, gardener, history buff, photographer, animal lover, student or teacher. Our books alone will be 20 percent to 90 percent off list price. People shopping for schools often buy lots of materials. At our last sale, the showroom was virtually emptied of merchandise," O'Donnell said.

The sale is being promoted through mailings, newspaper ads and radio spots. National Geographic members and teachers have received postcards that they can bring to the sale to exchange for a free calendar.

A National Geographic warehouse sale also will be held in Houston from Friday, Dec. 4, to Sunday, Dec. 6. Sale hours will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 375 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; expeditions; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.

THE WORLD IS BLUE: How Our Fate and the Ocean's Are One

2009-10-08

WASHINGTON (Oct. 8, 2009)--In her latest book, published by National Geographic, world-famous marine scientist Sylvia Earle, a National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, tells how 50 years of destructive -- and ever increasing -- oceanic change is threatening the very existence of life on Earth.

In THE WORLD IS BLUE: How Our Fate and the Ocean's Are One (National Geographic Books; ISBN: 978-1-4262-0541-5; Sept. 15, 2009; $26; hardcover), Earle portrays a global ecosystem on the brink of irreversible environmental crisis unless we act immediately. Time is running out, she warns, and nowhere is this clearer than in the seas, which cover three-quarters of the planet's surface -- a vast, unexplored water world upon which every living thing depends.

Weaving together anecdotes of her years of ocean exploration with the latest findings about the state of the seas, Earle shows how, since the mid-20th century, we've done untold damage to a vital system that has evolved over 3.8 billion years. For millennia the sea has seemed like an inexhaustible resource, but overexploitation has driven many species to the edge of extinction. Destructive and wasteful fishing techniques, pollution and global warming threaten everything from tiny but indispensable microorganisms to magnificent creatures like whales, tuna and swordfish.

-In the past 50 years, hundreds of millions of tons of ocean wildlife have been removed from the sea, while hundreds of millions of tons of waste have been poured into it.

-Ninety-five percent of some species, including bluefin tuna, Atlantic cod, American eel and certain sharks have been killed.

-Destructive fishing techniques -- trawls, longlines, rockhopping dredges -- not only continue to take too much, they have destroyed habitats and killed millions of tons of animals that are simply discarded. Each year, industrial fishing wantonly kills hundreds of thousands of marine mammals, seabirds and turtles and hundreds of millions of fish.

-Half the world's shallow coral reefs are gone or in a state of serious decline. In much of the Caribbean, 80 percent are dead. Deep coral reefs, thousands of years old, are being destroyed by new deep trawling technologies.

-More than 400 oxygen-deprived "dead zones" have formed in coastal areas in recent decades, and the number is increasing, reflecting changes in ocean chemistry.

-The ocean's pH is changing as a result of so much carbon being released into the atmosphere, causing seas to become acidic and corrosive.

"What is most troubling, perhaps," writes Earle, "is the profound, widespread ignorance about the ocean and its vital importance to everyone, everywhere, all the time. It is not just the fact that less than 5 percent of the ocean has been seen, let alone explored. Even what is known to scientists is not widely appreciated by the public, and certainly not by most policymaking officials."

Fortunately, we have not yet passed the point of no return in saving this vital resource. In this persuasive and passionate book, Earle offers solutions, actions we can take now to stem or reverse the damage before it's too late, because what we do -- or fail to do -- in the next 10 years, she says, may well resonate for the next 10,000.

The ultimate goal, Earle argues, is to find responsible, renewable, sustainable strategies that will restore the health of our blue world. These include smart aquaculture and smart seafood choices; plans of action to protect biodiversity and to mitigate and recover from the impacts of climate change, new technologies to map, photograph and explore the 95 percent of the ocean we have yet to see; and -- Earle's wish -- a global network of marine protected areas, "hope spots large enough to save the ocean, the blue heart of the planet." At present, less than 1 percent of the total area of the sea is protected.

"My wish is a big wish, but if we can make it happen, it truly can change the world and help ensure the survival of what is actually my favorite species, human beings," Earle writes.

About the Author
Called "Her Deepness" by The New Yorker and The New York Times and a "Living Legend" by the Library of Congress, Sylvia Earle is an oceanographer, explorer, author and lecturer. She is leader of the Sustainable Seas Expeditions, chair of the Advisory Councils for the Harte Research Institute and for the Ocean in Google Earth. Earle is a 2009 recipient of the coveted TED Prize for her proposal to establish a global network of marine protected areas. She has authored more than 175 publications and lectured in over 70 countries.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC IMAGE COLLECTION

2009-10-02

WASHINGTON (Oct. 2, 2009)—In a landmark publishing event, National Geographic presents its most expansive and sumptuous photography book ever, showcasing 120 years of world history, natural history and culture chronicled and preserved in the Society's unique archive of more than 11.5 million images. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC IMAGE COLLECTION (National Geographic Focal Point; ISBN: 978-1-4262-0503-3; Oct. 6, 2009; $50; hardcover) is the largest single volume of world-renowned National Geographic photographs published by the organization that has set the gold standard for photographic coverage of the world.

Photography excellence is one of the foundations on which National Geographic is built, and its image collection, fittingly housed beneath the Society's headquarters building in Washington, D.C., is one of the finest, most extensive graphic resources on Earth.

The 500-page NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC IMAGE COLLECTION allows readers for the first time to plumb the fascinating depths of this immense and ever-growing archive, from the earliest photographs collected in the 19th century to the cutting-edge work of today. Both iconic and never-before-seen images from virtually every corner of the globe, an array of wildlife and people, and amazing achievements in exploration, adventure, science and more are placed in historic, artistic, technical and journalistic context.

Spanning 12 decades of world events and photographic evolution, the book covers a cornucopia of subjects. From mountaineering in the Alps in the 1890s to Hiram Bingham's 1913 images of Machu Picchu to images of Alexander Graham Bell and Albert Einstein to the first aerial, flash, night, underwater and space photographs, this volume is a must for everyone who loves history or photography or has been captivated by National Geographic magazine.

"We are one of the few repositories that document the entire 20th century and the beginnings of the 21st century," says Maura Mulvihill, vice president, National Geographic Image Collection. "Our photographers focus not only on newsworthy events, but also on social documentation of the whole world and all its inhabitants. We have always made images of the things that people do in day-to-day life, the life that goes on outside of giant events. These images have a unique social and cultural value."

The work of 204 of the finest and most celebrated photographers in the world is included — from Maynard Owen Williams, Volkmar Wentzel and Luis Marden to James Stanfield, Sam Abell, Steve McCurry and Annie Griffiths Belt. Some 400 of their finest color and black-and-white images are presented, divided into four themes: Exploration, Wildlife, People & Culture, and Science & Climate Change.

Following the lavish visual journey through more than a century of photographic highlights is a behind-the-scenes profile of the entire Image Collection, including the delicate Autochromes, of which there are nearly 15,000 — one of the finest assemblages of these glass color transparencies in the world; the nearly 500,000 black-and-white prints, only a fraction of which have ever been published; the color transparencies, which played a central role in the evolution of National Geographic photography; and digital, which has opened new vistas for the photographers and which is growing rapidly every day.

There is also a listing of the artists, including N.C. Wyeth and Andrew Wyeth, whose fine maps, drawings, paintings, engravings and illustrations have graced the pages of National Geographic publications over the past 120 years. Finally, profiles of the 204 photographers represented in the book are a fitting tribute to those without whose tireless and brilliant efforts National Geographic's Image Collection would not exist.

In her introductory essay, Michelle Delaney, curator of the photographic history collection at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, provides a historical perspective of the National Geographic Image Collection, an archive she calls "a hidden treasure — millions of photographs that are rarely if ever seen, but are preserved with meticulous care for future research and publication."

On Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 7:30 p.m., in a lecture presented by National Geographic Live and Kodak at National Geographic headquarters, National Geographic magazine editor in chief and wildlife photographer Chris Johns, "National Geographic Image Collection" editor Leah Bendavid-Val and Image Collection vice president Maura Mulvihill will be joined by photographers David Doubilet, Maria Stenzel, Michael Yamashita and Kodak digital photography pioneer Steve Sasson for an inside look at National Geographic's remarkable photography trove.

Also sponsored by Kodak, a major exhibition of nearly 90 images featured in the book will be held at National Geographic from Oct. 1, 2009, to April 12, 2010. For more than a century, National Geographic and Kodak have shared in breakthroughs in every sphere of traditional and digital photography. Kodak technology has made many of the pictures in the book possible, and the book itself was produced using Kodak digital prepress technology, including software, computer-to-plate machines and digital printing plates.

POLAR OBSESSION

2009-10-02

WASHINGTON (Oct. 2, 2009)—See the polar regions as never before in a new book by renowned National Geographic photographer Paul Nicklen, who dives underwater and travels across the ice to deliver unique, close-up documentation of wildlife in the Arctic and Antarctic.

POLAR OBSESSION (National Geographic Focal Point; ISBN: 978-1-4262-0511-8;
Nov. 10, 2009; $50; hardcover) breaks new ground as Nicklen presents important insights into animal behavior, the fragile polar environment and climate change that threatens the ice and its inhabitants.

"The polar regions are disappearing quickly, and I want my photo essays to stand as a reminder of what is at stake. It is my mission to bring the rare, remote and threatened to caring people who can enjoy and help protect these lands and creatures," he writes in his introduction.

Nicklen, who regards himself as an ambassador for polar life, grew up in a small Inuit community in the Canadian Arctic. From an early age he learned how to survive in the frozen terrain and developed a passion for the wildlife around him. Today his expeditions take him to the ends of the Earth in pursuit of rare, close-up photographs of polar species and their intriguing ways. Constantly honing his understanding of wildlife behavior in order to approach the animals in their most intimate natural settings, he uses photography to dispel myths, reveal rarely seen behaviors and intensify the world's interest in polar wildlife.

POLAR OBSESSION includes 150 of Nicklen's most spectacular images from the polar reaches. From huge elephant seals, leopard seals, whales, walruses, narwhals and polar bears to penguins, albatrosses, petrels, arctic cod and tiny krill, Nicklen, an underwater photography specialist, captures the beauty of a wide variety of polar animals, large and small, and the icy paradise in which they live. Each scene is bathed in polar light, surreal and breathtakingly beautiful.

In essays introducing each chapter, Nicklen details life amid the ice fields, floes and frozen seas — at times braving temperatures as low as minus 55 F (minus 45 C) — as well as his passion for the Arctic and Antarctic and the stories behind his images.

Nicklen has risked his life many times in the 20 years he has been documenting the polar regions: He has crashed his ultralight airplane, fallen through the sea ice, been lost in blizzards, bitten by fur seals, attacked by a walrus and an 8,000-pound elephant seal, charged by a grizzly bear and sniffed through the thin fabric wall of a tent by a polar bear. One of the most nerve-wracking — and perhaps most mesmerizing — experiences was a days-long interaction with a massive, 1,000-pound female leopard seal, one of the most feared predators of the sea, with whom he swam in the Antarctic waters. After charging at him with a huge open mouth that almost engulfed his head and camera, she repeatedly tried to feed him penguins that she caught — all the while being photographed by Nicklen.

"If I really want people to care about polar species, my images have to be wild and raw," he writes. "I want people to feel what it's like to be in the water, swimming three feet from a polar bear. I want them to experience what it's like to be offered a penguin as food by a leopard seal. Only then will they really care about that habitat and that species."

In the "On Assignment" chapter, Nicklen describes the challenges of being a polar photographer, his considerations when photographing an animal for the first time, how long he has to wait for his shots and his funniest and most embarrassing experiences.

Also included in the book is a gear list detailing the enormous amount of equipment that accompanies Nicklen on his assignments, "likely more equipment than any other natural history photographer on the planet," because Nicklen shoots above and below water. He usually travels with 14 to 20 cases and hockey duffel bags weighing between 60 pounds and 70 pounds each. "Getting to and from location with all the gear is often the worst and hardest part of the assignment," he writes.

Both a remarkable photographic achievement and a powerful personal journey, POLAR OBSESSION provides a vivid, timely portrait of two extraordinary, threatened ecosystems and draws attention to some of today's most significant issues regarding climate and the environment.

About the Author

Since 1994 award-winning photographer Paul Nicklen's work has been published in magazines around the world, including 10 stories for National Geographic. He began his career as a wildlife biologist and took up photography 15 years ago with the desire to bridge the gap between scientific research and public knowledge on wildlife subjects and climate change. His unique background growing up in an Inuit community on Baffin Island along with his unique talent give him the confidence to photograph in the most inhospitable, remote and challenging places on Earth. POLAR OBSESSION is Nicklen's second book. "Seasons of the Arctic" was published in 2000.

Nicklen lives in Whitehorse, Yukon.

DOGTOWN: Tales of Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Redemption

2009-10-02

WASHINGTON (Oct. 2, 2009)—DOGTOWN: Tales of Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Redemption (National Geographic Books; ISBN 978-1-4262-0562-0; on-sale date: Oct. 27, 2009; $26 hardcover), first companion book to the National Geographic Channel's hit show "DogTown," is a collaboration between National Geographic and Best Friends Animal Society, the organization that rescued Michael Vick's dogs and operates the country's largest no-kill sanctuary.

Author Stefan Bechtel follows the stories of desperate dogs and their dedicated caretakers at Dogtown, the Best Friends shelter that believes in second chances, and he portrays the powerful bond between the animals and the people who help them. Misfit and traumatized dogs, puppies rescued from puppy mills and war-zone trauma cases are profiles in courage as the trainers at Dogtown rehabilitate them. The book is not only a compelling testament to the fact that through love and devotion, dogs can be given a second chance at life, but it showcases the reality of abused dogs and highlights the inspirational work and consequent results of a leading animal rescue organization.

Dogtown, in Kanab, Utah, is a haven for unwanted dogs, often considered unadoptable by other organizations. The shelter is a refuge for dogs no one else wants to deal with for either medical or behavioral reasons. They come from many backgrounds: Some were abandoned, some prowled the streets as strays, others suffer from mysterious illnesses or antisocial behaviors that discourage potential adopters. But good fortune led them to Best Friends and the dedicated people devoted to helping them recover and find welcoming homes. "It just takes a lot of patience, a lot of TLC...and a pocket full of chicken!" says dog care manager and trainer John Garcia.

DOGTOWN tells the stories of 15 of the most memorable and touching cases, including Georgia, a pit bull rescued from Michael Vick's illegal dog-fighting operation, Rush, a traumatized shepherd mix airlifted from a Middle Eastern war zone, and Tuffy, whose spirit never flagged after being rescued from a hoarder. The compelling tales draw on the experiences of veterinarians, trainers and volunteers to evoke both joy and the occasional, but inevitable, heartbreak that goes with their work.

Each chapter follows the dogs from their first days at Dogtown and chronicles the outstanding care they receive throughout their stay until they find (or sometimes don't find) a new home. We learn how dogs process information, how trauma affects their behavior and how people can help the animals overcome their problems. In the end, we come to see that there are no "bad dogs," and that with patience, care and compassion, people can help dogs to heal.

Also included in the book is a powerful introduction by Faith Maloney, co-founder of Best Friends and Dogtown's first manager, who shares her experiences building the facility and working with the dogs firsthand.

The stories give genuine insight and a dramatic record into the operations of one of the country's truly miraculous places for man's best friend. The book will appeal to animal and dog lovers alike and anyone interested in inspirational stories of perseverance and hope.

"DogTown," the television show, is produced by National Geographic Television for the National Geographic Channel. The fourth season will premiere on the National Geographic Channel in January 2010.

AN AMERICAN FAMILY: Three Decades with the McGarveys

2009-10-01

WASHINGTON (Oct. 1, 2009)--In 1977 photojournalist Pam Spaulding set out to record the unscripted, everyday life of the McGarvey family of Louisville, Ky. They had just had their first baby, and the project -- to document the lives of new parents -- was supposed to last one year. Thirty years, two more children and one wedding later, the project finally came to an end. The result is the richest photographic record of a single family ever made. This unique, revealing and engaging group portrait is showcased in a new book from National Geographic, AN AMERICAN FAMILY: Three Decades with the McGarveys (National Geographic Focal Point; Oct. 20, 2009; ISBN: 978-1-4262-0504-0; $35; hardcover).

Whether you think of it as the ultimate in time-lapse photography or a reality show begun decades before its time, this intimate, 30-year look at one middle-class family is Americana at its most evocative. The remarkable collection of images peers into every aspect of the McGarvey family's life to produce an album that is instantly recognizable to anyone who has ever shared the American experience.

From listening to a bedtime story to decorating the Christmas tree, from playing a card game around the kitchen table to marching in a Fourth of July parade, and from fishing with a grandparent to buying a prom gown to mourning the death of a family pet, Spaulding captures scenes of everyday life that are deeply personal, yet familiar to us all. Her thoughtful, sensitive black-and-white photographs, taken from a unique "fly-on-the wall" perspective, eloquently embody the experiences of our era and preserve a tableau of American 20th-century life for posterity.

Many of Spaulding's images of John and Judy McGarvey and their children, David, Morgan and Sara, have never before been published and most were unseen by the family members until they were interviewed for this book. Indeed, in her three decades of documenting the family, Spaulding was so unobtrusive and she blended into the background so well that when the McGarveys saw the photographs for the first time, they all said in almost identical words, "I had no idea Pam was there and took that photograph."

Pam captured every facet of the McGarveys' lives. From proud young parents to their kids squabbling in the back seat of the car to the next generation of newlyweds, it's all here -- love, humor, intimacy, sadness, joy, loyalty.

Complementing the 175 images is text by author Claude Cookman, who profiles each of the family members. "The McGarveys have made an extraordinary gift," he writes. "Through Pam's photographs, they have opened their lives without reservation to the readers of this book. Viewers will find their own experiences confirmed in photograph after photograph.

"However special the McGarvey family is, Pam Spaulding's project is equally unique. It seems unlikely a document of this scope, duration, and subtlety will ever be duplicated. ... Her photographs rise to the level of art, because her wisdom, her sensitivity, and her photographic vision shaped the reality in front of her camera to match her conception of a family living the American dream."

Photographer Sam Abell, who encouraged and mentored Pam during the project, echoes those sentiments in his "Appreciation" of Spaulding at the end of the book. "The project required a unique, trusting relationship between a family and a photographer. The result is one they can both be proud of. For as surely as this book is a vivid portrait of the McGarveys, it is also, more subtly, a portrait of Pam. Quietly and thoughtfully, only she was present when each of these photographs was made," Abell writes.

Spaulding, who lives in Louisville, Ky., has been a photojournalist at the Louisville Courier-Journal for 37 years and has won numerous awards for her work. In 1972 she was the first woman to win the Hearst Award for Photojournalism. She contributed to the photography that won the Courier-Journal and Louisville Times the 1976 Pulitzer Prize for coverage of court-ordered busing in Jefferson County, Ky. In 1984-85 she was a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University.

Note: To arrange an interview with Pam Spaulding or members of the McGarvey family, contact Penelope Dackis at (202) 857-7335 or pdackis@ngs.org.

LIVE, LAUGH, CELEBRATE

2009-10-01

WASHINGTON (Oct. 1, 2009)--At any given moment, someone somewhere in the world is celebrating something. Like love, the urge to celebrate is common to every culture around the globe. Regardless of the country, the occasion, the place, the time, the number of participants or the ceremony, human beings everywhere celebrate. National Geographic's LIVE, LAUGH, CELEBRATE (National Geographic Books; ISBN 978-1-4262-0506-4; on-sale date: Oct. 27, 2009; $29.95 hardcover), by legendary author Ferdinand Protzman, offers a radiant and compelling collection of celebrations -- large and small, formal and informal, past and present, personal and public -- from around the world.

At root, all people celebrate the same thing: the miracle of human life. Parents, families and friends celebrate when a baby is born. The celebration is later revisited with music, laughter and gatherings as the child goes through life. Along the way, achievements at school, in athletics, in the workplace, are celebrated. We celebrate falling in love, getting married and gathering with friends and family at the holidays. All manner of events -- religious events and commemorations, coronations, royal weddings, civic rituals and athletic contests -- are celebrated by vast crowds in public spaces, while others celebrate these same events at home alone. Even death becomes cause for celebrating the life of the deceased.

It is no surprise that photography, the only artistic medium capable of capturing life at the speed of light, quickly became part of almost every kind of celebration. Whether it's a festival like Carnival or Cinco de Mayo, a religious procession, a martial parade or a high-spirited sporting rivalry, the pageantry, excitement, action and emotion of celebrations are an irresistible and riveting subject.

The lavish collection of photographs and accompanying essays in LIVE, LAUGH, CELEBRATE showcases 150 full-color images, some new and never before published, others culled from National Geographic's archive of classic, often pioneering photography. In addition to its value as a collection of emotionally rich photographs, the book is an ideal gift, appropriate for any occasion and a treat for connoisseurs of fine photography.

Protzman is an award-winning cultural critic, writer and editor. He has written four books and contributed to others. His reviews, essays and articles have appeared in The Washington Post, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, International Herald Tribune, Art News, Harvard Review and others. He is the author of "Landscape: Photographs of Time and Place," "Love," "Wide Angle: National Geographic Greatest Places" and "Work: The World in Photographs."

Note: To arrange an interview with Ferdinand Protzman, contact Anna Kukelhaus at (202) 775-6717 or akukelha@ngs.org.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC AND KODAK PARTNER TO PRESENT 'NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC IMAGE COLLECTION'

2009-09-30

WASHINGTON (Sept. 30, 2009)—The National Geographic Society, in partnership with Kodak, presents NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC IMAGE COLLECTION — a 500-page book and companion exhibition showcasing photographs, many never before published, from the Society's singular archive of more than 11.5 million images.

The book and exhibition represent the first time that people will be able to plumb the depths of National Geographic's immense and ever-growing archive, from the earliest photographs collected in the 19th century to the cutting-edge work of today. This landmark publishing event and exhibition feature 120 years of world history, natural history and culture chronicled and preserved in the archive housed beneath the Society's headquarters building in Washington, D.C., and one of the world's finest and most extensive graphic resources.

The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC IMAGE COLLECTION exhibition opens at the Society on Thursday, Oct. 1, and will feature more than 90 photographs from the book, displayed in lightboxes around the exterior of the headquarters building and in the National Geographic Museum's Grosvenor Gallery. The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC IMAGE COLLECTION book (National Geographic Focal Point; ISBN: 978-1-4262-0503-3; $50; hardcover) publishes on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

National Geographic and Kodak also will make available for sale in October a limited number of the images reproduced on high-quality KODAK PROFESSIONAL papers. For details and purchasing information, go to www.imagecollection@mpix.com.

For more than a century, National Geographic and Kodak have shared in breakthroughs in every sphere of traditional and digital photography. Kodak technology has made many of the pictures in the book possible, and the book itself was produced using Kodak digital prepress technology, including software, computer-to-plate machines and digital printing plates.

"We are delighted to partner with National Geographic in bringing these remarkable images to the world," said John Blake, general manager, digital capture & imaging devices, and vice president, Eastman Kodak Company. "Kodak technology has played a central role not only in capturing the images, but in displaying them for exhibition and printing the book itself. This year is the 100th anniversary of Kodak's association with National Geographic, and we feel there's no better way to mark this milestone than by working together to celebrate the wonder and beauty of the world through pictures."

"National Geographic is one of the few imaging repositories that document the entire 20th century and the beginnings of the 21st century," said Maura Mulvihill, vice president, National Geographic Image Collection. "Our photographers focus not only on newsworthy events, but also on social documentation of the world and all its inhabitants. We have always made images of the things that people do in day-to-day life, the life that goes on outside of giant events. These images have a unique social and cultural value, and we are thrilled to present them in this book."

Spanning 12 decades of world events and photographic evolution, the book covers a wide range of subjects. It includes iconic images from virtually every corner of the globe, an array of wildlife and people, and amazing achievements in exploration, adventure, science and more that are placed in historic, artistic, technical and journalistic context.

From pictures of mountaineering in the Alps in the 1890s to Hiram Bingham's 1913 images of Machu Picchu to images of Alexander Graham Bell and Albert Einstein to the first aerial, flash, night, digital, underwater and space photographs, the book is a must for everyone who loves history or photography or has been captivated by National Geographic magazine. The work of 204 of the best and most celebrated photographers in the world is included — from Maynard Owen Williams, Volkmar Wentzel and Luis Marden to Nick Nichols, James Stanfield, Sam Abell, Steve McCurry, Annie Griffiths Belt, Michael Yamashita and Maria Stenzel. Four hundred and fifty of their finest black-and-white and color images are presented, divided into four themes: Exploration, Wildlife, People & Culture, and Science & Climate Change.

The book also includes a behind-the-scenes look at the entire National Geographic Image Collection: the delicate Autochromes, of which there are nearly 15,000 — one of the finest assemblages of these glass color transparencies in the world; the nearly 500,000 black-and-white prints, only a fraction of which have ever been published; the color transparencies, which played a central role in the evolution of National Geographic photography; and the rapidly growing digital collection.

The book also lists the artists, including N.C. Wyeth and Andrew Wyeth, whose fine maps, drawings, paintings, engravings and illustrations have graced the pages of National Geographic publications over the past 120 years, as well as profiles of the photographers represented in the book, whose efforts made National Geographic's Image Collection possible.

In her introductory essay to the book, Michelle Delaney, curator of the photographic history collection at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, provides a historical perspective of the National Geographic Image Collection, an archive she calls "a hidden treasure — millions of photographs that are rarely if ever seen, but are preserved with meticulous care for future research and publication."

On Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 7:30 p.m., in a lecture presented by National Geographic Live and Kodak at National Geographic headquarters, National Geographic magazine Editor in Chief and wildlife photographer Chris Johns and Image Collection's Maura Mulvihill will be joined by photographers Michael Yamashita, Maria Stenzel and David Doubilet as well as Kodak digital camera inventor Steve Sasson for an inside look at National Geographic's remarkable photography trove.

About National Geographic
The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 375 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,200 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.

About Kodak
As the world's foremost imaging innovator, Kodak helps consumers, businesses and creative professionals unleash the power of pictures and printing to enrich their lives. To learn more, visit http://www.kodak.com and follow Kodak's blogs and more at http://www.kodak.com/go/followus.

44 DAYS: Iran and the Remaking of the World

2009-09-04

WASHINGTON (Sept. 4, 2009)--Thirty years ago, the shah of Iran was overthrown in the first spasm of an Islamic revolution that continues today. Events unfolding in contemporary Iran form a backdrop for a new book from National Geographic, 44 DAYS: Iran and the Remaking of the World (National Geographic Focal Point; ISBN 978-1-4262-0513-2; on-sale date: Sept. 29, 2009; $50 hardcover), by legendary photojournalist David Burnett. The book is not only a compelling photographic record of the first revolution, but an important document of history that reflects events currently playing out in the region.

In 44 DAYS, Burnett revisits his experience as one of the only Western photographers to capture the first tumultuous days of a new era in the Middle East. The book is his unique eyewitness account of six pivotal weeks -- 44 days -- that stunned the world and reshaped the Middle East in a seismic shift whose aftershocks are still being felt. At a time when most Westerners were fleeing the carnage in Iran, Burnett remained to record the sudden end of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi's rule and the chaotic political scramble that ended in the triumph of the ayatollahs and the birth of the Islamic republic. As the shah's regime collapsed amid a tidal wave of support for the cleric Ayatollah Khomeini, Burnett reported in real time from inside Iran, a personal observer to one of the most important and far-reaching events of the late 20th century.

His vivid images and words document not merely a coup in progress and a violent change of regime, but a genuine populist revolution: mass demonstrations, rock-throwing street fights, a mob lynching of the paramilitary police chief, along with private moments of grief and mourning and quiet gestures of solidarity.

Day-by-day, in diary-like dispatches, Burnett delivers new perspectives: Iranian rioters amid blazing cars; politicians and power brokers in Savile Row suits; the vanishing tail of the airplane carrying the shah and his family to exile; the sea of Shiite worshippers ecstatically welcoming Ayatollah Khomeini's triumphant return; and the attack on the U.S. embassy in Tehran that foreshadowed a second takeover nine months later, in November 1979, resulting in the capture of 52 Americans and a 444-day hostage crisis.

"In many ways the revolution in Iran had a classic, nearly Shakespearian trajectory, and accordingly, the book is structured along the lines of a three-act play: the last days of the shah, the interregnum, and the first days of Khomeini. Burnett was there for them all," write Robert Pledge and Jacques Menasche in their editors' note. "The photographs in the book are remarkable historical documents, the contents of a time capsule from another era."

Iranian-born journalist and commentator Christiane Amampour provides a penetrating foreword: "David Burnett's magnificent photographic record of the revolution reminds us, 30 years later, of what my father told me: that nothing would ever be the same again. The first modern Islamic revolution has since inspired millions around the world. Thirty years after the Islamic Republic of Iran took American diplomats hostage for 444 days, relations between Iran and the U.S. remain ruptured. Today, the need to repair that relationship has never been greater."

Also included in the book is a powerful introduction by celebrated New York Times reporter John Kifner, who shares his own experience of the revolution in Iran and reflects on its decades-long aftermath.

Burnett's arresting eyewitness account and dramatic visual record give genuine historic insight into one of the most intransigent conflicts of our time. The book will have broad appeal to history and current affairs buffs, photography lovers and anyone interested in the clash of Islamic fundamentalism and the West.

David Burnett has worked in more than 75 countries. Early in his career he became the last photojournalist to cover the Vietnam War for Life magazine. A co-founder of Contact Press Images in 1976 with Robert Pledge, he has won many awards, including the Robert Capa Gold Medal, the World Press Photo Premier Award and the Overseas Press Club of America's Best Reporting from Abroad in Magazines and Books Award in 1979 for his work from the revolution in Iran. A veteran journalist of the political scene in Washington, he has photographed every American president from John F. Kennedy to Barack Obama. He is a regular contributor to Time magazine.

Note: To arrange an interview with David Burnett, contact Chandra Teitscheid at (202) 828-6678 or cteitsch@ngs.org.

National Geographic Children's Books Launches Fact-Packed Almanac for Kids

2009-05-27

WASHINGTON (May 26, 2009)—National Geographic Children's Books announces the launch of its first ever kids' almanac, where kids can discover everything from how to survive adrift at sea to the secrets of the sunken city of Atlantis to ways you can volunteer in your community. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS ALMANAC 2010 (ISBN: 978-1-4263-0501-6; May 26, 2009; $12.99; ages 8-12) grabs readers' attention with more than 500 stunning photographs and over 300 pages bursting with fast facts, true stories, fun activities and interesting articles on every subject under the sun (and beyond!).

With content that will make any kid go "wow!," "ew!" and "cool!", this backpack-sized reference book is sure to keep kids occupied during even the longest trips and is a sure-fire hit to include in camp care packages. Crafts, games, jokes, recipes and a "virtual pet" named Zimmer are just a few of the unusual and creative features that make the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS ALMANAC 2010 unique, engaging and FUN!

With full-color design and an easy-to-read format, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS ALMANAC 2010 delivers chapter after chapter of fun factoids:

Your World 2010 — What's hot and what's ahead for 2010
Awesome Adventure — Modern-day adventurers, survival techniques and true stories of harrowing escapes
Amazing Animals — More than 75 pages devoted to animals, their habitats and what makes each one unique
Culture Connection — Food, currency, literature and lots more from around the world
Geography Rocks — Maps, travel and famous or unusual landmarks — like a sculpture in Joshua Tree, Calif., made entirely of toilets
Going Green — Eco-lingo, our threatened planet and steps we can take to help save it
History Happens — Mummies! Wars! American heroes! Secret spies! The people, places, governments and events that make us who we are today.
Wonders of Nature — From the highest mountains to the depths of the ocean floor — and everything in between.
Super Science — Space, health and the human body, our future world and cool inventions

About Melina Gerosa Bellows:
Melina Bellows is executive vice president of National Geographic Children's Publishing and editor in chief of National Geographic Kids and Little Kids magazines.

About National Geographic Society:
The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 360 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS ALMANAC 2010978-1-4263-0501-6 -- May 26, 2009 Ages 8-12 -- 12.95

THE 100 BEST VOLUNTEER VACATIONS TO ENRICH YOUR LIFE

2009-05-04

WASHINGTON (May 4, 2009)—On the heels of travel expert Pam Grout's popular "100 Best Worldwide Vacations to Enrich Your Life," featuring international destinations, comes an information-filled guide brimming with more ideas for unforgettable vacation experiences around the globe.

THE 100 BEST VOLUNTEER VACATIONS TO ENRICH YOUR LIFE (National Geographic Books; ISBN: 978-1-4262-0459-3; May 19, 2009; $19.95) showcases a broad range of experience-driven getaways that will transform vacation time into opportunities for enrichment, fulfillment and helping others.

According to a 2008 survey by the University of California, San Diego, 40 percent of Americans would like to volunteer while on vacation, and another 13 percent are ready to devote an entire year to hopping on a plane and providing goodwill. This timely book responds to this growing interest in combining volunteering with travel.

"The reasons for wanting to volunteer vary," writes Grout in her introduction. "But the thing all volunteer vacations share? They shed light. They give us a more realistic view of the world."

Grout organizes her suggestions into chapters covering six regions: North America & the Caribbean, Central & South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Australia & around.

"By choosing a volunteer vacation by destination, you'll get to travel to the country of your dreams, the one that's been on your radar since second grade or since the president of the PTA came back from there and started passing out pictures that made you jealous," Grout writes. "You'll be able to immerse yourself in that wild dream country in a way not possible on the average tour bus. ... You'll spend time with the very people who inhabit your longed-for country. Through volunteering, you'll get a unique insight into their culture, their beliefs, and, yes, their dreams."

North America & the Caribbean getaway ideas include excavating stone tools and other ancient artifacts at Crow Canyon Archaeological Center outside Cortez, Colo.; protecting loggerhead sea turtles at the Wassaw National Wildlife Reserve in Georgia; serving as a lighthouse keeper at various lighthouses across the United States; transforming a village in Jamaica's Blue Mountains; delivering food and supplies to Haiti; or assisting with free health clinics in northern Mexico.

Travelers interested in volunteer vacations in Central & South America can collect butterflies in remote Amazonia, help campesinos harvest coffee beans in Nicaragua, work in an Argentine soup kitchen or lead walks through a cloud forest in Honduras.

Those seeking European destinations can head to Scotland's Hebrides to work with dolphins, refurbish castles in Germany, tend gardens at castles and manor houses all over the United Kingdom, take orphaned children hiking in Kyrgyzstan or clean fossils in Portugal's first UNESCO-sponsored geopark.

Volunteer opportunities in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia & around include assisting Iraqi refugees in Syria, teaching music in Ghana, helping AIDS orphans in Zambia, compiling data on endangered wild elephants in Sri Lanka, restoring a Buddhist monastery in Nepal, conducting underwater fish and coral surveys in the Philippines and helping save the Tasmanian devil in Australia.

THE 100 BEST VOLUNTEER VACATIONS TO ENRICH YOUR LIFE is more than a travel guide — it's a spirited collection of experiences filled with tips to inspire, awaken, teach, challenge and more. It tells you all you need to know to ensure your next vacation won't just be time off — it will be time well spent.

Grout is the author of 15 travel and self-help books, as well as numerous articles for such publications as Travel + Leisure, Outside, Modern Maturity, New Age Journal, Scientific American Explorations and The Washington Post. She also is the Midwestern stringer for People magazine and writes a travel column called "Now, Where Was I?" She lives in Lawrence, Kan.

THE BLUE ZONES

2009-04-02

WASHINGTON (March 31, 2009)—Here's good news: The average American can look younger, feel younger and avoid about 70 percent of things that can shorten life. Studies show that lifestyle habits, rather than genes, determine up to 90 percent of life expectancy. Only 6 percent of how long we live is explained by our parents' longevity. Adopting an optimal lifestyle, experts say, can give us up to 10 more good years of life. But what is the optimal lifestyle?

In the New York Times' bestseller THE BLUE ZONES: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who've Lived the Longest (ISBN 978-1-4262-0400-5; $14.95 trade paper), to be published in paperback by National Geographic on April 21, renowned explorer Dan Buettner uncovers the secrets of the Blue Zones — places in the world where higher percentages of people enjoy remarkably long, full lives. He examines how their unique lifestyles correlate to their longevity and details how to incorporate these lifestyle characteristics into your daily routine.

On April 20, Buettner will embark on an expedition, partially funded by National Geographic's Expeditions Council, to explore a newly discovered longevity hotspot, or Blue Zone. (Hint: It's an island off the coast of Turkey.)

Buettner and his team of demographers and scientists embarked on a seven-year effort to identify and research the world's longevity hotspots. In addition to the newly discovered one off the Turkish coast, they have confirmed four Blue Zones: the Barbagia region of Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; the community of Seventh Day Adventists in Loma Linda, Calif.; and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. In each Blue Zone, Buettner and his team found that people reach age 100 at rates significantly higher than the rest of us, and on average, they live longer, healthier lives. They also suffer a fraction of the rate of killer diseases found in America.

In THE BLUE ZONES, Buettner recounts how these four cultures have taken unique paths to longevity. He introduces longevity all-stars like Ushi Ukushima, who grew most of her own food and was a frequent party hostess at 104 years old; Giovanni Sannai, who, at 103, beat Buettner in arm wrestling; and Ellsworth Wareham, a surgeon who still performs open-heart surgery at 95.

Buettner describes the origin and nature of the unique lifestyle habits in each Blue Zone, such as drinking a glass or two of red wine daily, growing a medicinal garden of mugwort, ginger and turmeric, and drinking unusually hard water. He distills these lifestyle elements into nine lessons — the "Power 9" — that positively impact lifespan. Examples include moving naturally (being active without thinking about it), cutting calories by 20 percent, eating a more plant-based diet, participating in a spiritual community and finding your "ikigai" — purpose in life.

Buettner works with leading behavior experts to offer an action plan to put these best longevity practices to work in your own life. He writes, "It's no coincidence that the way these people eat, interact with each other, shed stress, heal themselves, avoid disease, and view their world yield them more good years of life. To learn from them, we need only to be open and ready to listen."

What are the chances of reaching 100 years old? Is there any truth to claims that some pills and cosmetics can reverse the signs of aging? What promises do vitamin supplements, hormone therapies and genetic intervention offer? To answer these and other questions, Buettner enlists the help of leading scientists in the fields of biology, geriatrics and the science of longevity. Each agrees that the only proven "fountain of youth" is found in emulating the key elements of those who are living longer in the Blue Zones.

THE BLUE ZONES also points readers to a powerful online tool called the Vitality Compass. Created in conjunction with the Minnesota School of Public Health, it gives you a starting point against which to measure your longevity lifestyle. The Vitality Compass (see Buettner's Web site at www.bluezones.com) asks a series of questions and, based on the answers given, calculates 1) your potential life expectancy at your current age; 2) your healthy life-expectancy — the number of good years you can expect to live; 3) the number of extra years you are likely to gain if you optimize your lifestyle. It offers a customized list of suggestions to help you with that plan.

Buettner explains, "You will not find longevity in a bottle of diet pills or with hormone therapy, but by embracing this a la carte menu of a few simple but powerful habits, and by creating the right community around yourself." In THE BLUE ZONES, he blends his lifestyle formula with the latest longevity research to inspire lasting behavioral change and add years to your life.

Buettner's many media appearances to discuss the Blue Zones and the prescription for longevity include "The Oprah Winfrey Show," CNN's "House Call with Dr. Sanjay Gupta," "The Martha Stewart Show," NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and CBS's "The Early Show."

Buettner is the founder and president of Blue Zones™, an organization that creates lifestyle management tools to help people live longer, better lives. Currently, he is directing the AARP/Blue Zones City Health Makeover, a project whose goal is to add 10,000 years of life to the town of Albert Lea, Minn. Buettner is the creator of Quest Networks™, one of the nation's premier online adventure learning programs. These Quests enable millions of online explorers to direct a team of experts as they unravel archaeological and longevity-related mysteries. Buettner is also an accomplished cyclist and has set three world records for endurance cycling.

TORNADO HUNTER

2009-04-02

WASHINGTON (April 2, 2009)—With winds that can reach up to 300 miles per hour, tornadoes are the most violent, most freakish windstorms on Earth, and the United States has more of them than any country in the world. While most people in the path of a tornado rush to take shelter, there are others who actually make storm chasing their hobby. This spring, National Geographic Books publishes a riveting adventure story of several veteran storm chasers, including National Geographic Emerging Explorer Tim Samaras, the first person to photograph the inside of a tornado.

TORNADO HUNTER: Getting Inside the Most Violent Storms on Earth (National Geographic Books; ISBN: 978-1-4262-0302-2; May 19, 2009; $24 hardcover), by Stefan Bechtel with Tim Samaras, is an unforgettable portrait of these unforgiving storms and the extraordinary people who challenge them. Samaras, a Denver-based inventor and engineer, is one of the nation's most prominent storm chasers. He and his team log tens of thousands of miles a season, chasing twisters around the country. "He wants to go find the whirlwind and then stick his nose in it. He is on precisely the opposite path as almost everybody else in this world. What other people call 'bad weather,' he calls 'good weather.' Wherever they are fleeing from, that's where he is going. If they are running from absolute disaster — houses sucked into the sky, ancient trees snapping like matchsticks — that's when he knows he's exactly where he wants to be," writes Bechtel of Samaras.

The book describes Samaras' lifelong passion for weather, especially tornadoes, and his remarkable meteorological accomplishments, which include developing special equipment able to survive the most extreme atmospheric pressures on the planet in order to collect scientific measurements inside tornadoes.

"Tim Samaras is one of the storm chasers I respect most," writes Dr. Greg Forbes, The Weather Channel's severe weather expert, in his introduction to TORNADO HUNTER. "I have the deepest respect for his vision and scientific and engineering skills in developing the 'turtle' [an instrument-laden probe designed to stick to the ground as a tornado passes over it] and video instrumentation and for his courage in placing these instruments in the path of rapidly approaching tornadoes. This gives the meteorological community the opportunity to learn things about the near-surface character of tornadoes that are not gathered in any other way, and greatly complements information gathered from mobile Doppler radars and by other storm chasers."

TORNADO HUNTER recounts five fascinating tales of storm chasing from some of the most memorable and destructive tornadoes in recent years. They include a moment-by-moment description of the 2003 catastrophe that engulfed Manchester, S.D., and the 2007 tornado in Greensburg, Kan., which destroyed the town and killed 11 people. There is also a gripping account of Lt. Herb Nolan, a junior airman who, in 1959, ejected from his crippled plane at 47,000 feet, above a supercell thunderstorm, and his terrifying 40-minute fall to Earth, buffeted by severe turbulence, with thunder booming and lightning crackling around him.
The stories interweave the tornado chasers' passion, the science of the storms themselves and six decades of progress in predicting and recording their onslaught.
TORNADO HUNTER is a page-turner with narrative force that combines high adventure with hard science. It is a captivating read for anyone interested in or concerned about tornadoes and the devastating fury of one of nature's most unforgiving weapons.

Bechtel is a member of Samaras' tornado-hunting team. He is the founding editor of Men's Health magazine and the author of seven books on conservation, health and investment, which have sold more than 2 million copies and been translated into eight languages.

Samaras, an electrical engineer and storm chaser for almost 20 years, is a National Geographic grantee and star of National Geographic Channel's "Disaster Lab" (2009) and "Master of Disaster" (2008). He holds the Guinness World Record for measuring the lowest barometric pressure drop in a tornado and is the only person ever to collect video from inside a tornado.

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Note: To arrange an interview with Tim Samaras or Stefan Bechtel, contact Chandra Teitscheid at (202) 828-6678 or cteitsch@ngs.org.

USA 101

2009-03-24

WASHINGTON (March 24, 2009)--America has an abundance of city sights, scenic areas, cultural events and points of interest that would take a lifetime to explore. In a new book from National Geographic, award-winning travel writer Gary McKechnie has distilled the "American experience" into 101 quintessential destinations that celebrate our country in all its quirky diversity.

USA 101: A Guide to America's Iconic Places, Events, and Festivals (National Geographic Books; ISBN 978-1-4262-0457-9; May 19, 2009; $18.95 softcover) is a unique and entertaining travel guide that stitches together a whole crazy quilt of icons, events, fairs and festivals that encompass history, faith, art, nature, sport, leisure and the nation's favorite pastimes.

Wherever you're going and whatever your interests, they will be somewhere in this book. And if you just stay home and travel armchair-style, you will still find the book a vivid, humorous and fascinating blend of 101 world-famous and distinctly local places and events that add up to a national portrait revealing what America is all about.

The fivescore and one indelibly American destinations range from the Statue of Liberty to the Golden Gate Bridge, from Graceland to Disneyland. There are perennial sporting rituals like the Army-Navy football game, the Indy 500, the Rose Bowl, the Little League World Series and the Iditarod, plus dozens more favorite institutions, old and new, from the Appalachian Trail, Indian powwows and barbershop quartets to New England fall foliage, pie-baking contests, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Miss America pageant.

Jam-packed with interesting anecdotes, this tour around America takes readers on an exciting voyage of discovery: Where can you see Hitler's pistol and Sitting Bull's tomahawk? Which 15-year-old jockey rode to victory in the first Kentucky Derby? How many bluegrass festivals take place each year? Which Texas town hosts an annual National Polka Festival? Where will you find the nation's largest number of captive sharks? (Hint: It's in the Midwest.)

Each destination is introduced with an entertaining, descriptive narrative that captures its history and special appeal as well as detailed practical advice, contact information and useful tips for visitors. Back matter includes a comprehensive list of lodging and dining suggestions for each featured destination, as well as a list of 66 "honorable mentions" -- other uniquely American sites and events that were in the running but didn't make the final cut.

An enlightening and irresistible read, USA 101 is a panorama of treasured traditions and beloved national possessions that will surprise, amuse and inform even the most sophisticated traveler.

Gary McKechnie's eclectic past includes stints as a comedian, advertising copywriter, video producer and concert promoter. He has been published in National Geographic Traveler, People, Chicago Tribune, The Washington Post, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, The Miami Herald and more. His previous book, "Great American Motorcycle Tours," won both a Lowell Thomas Silver Award for travel writing and a Gold Award in the Benjamin Franklin competition.

To arrange an interview with McKechnie, contact John McFeely at (202) 857-7659 or jmcfeely@ngs.org.

TRUE GREEN HOME

2009-02-05

WASHINGTON (Feb. 5, 2009)—Wondering how to make even a small eco-difference at home? Now everyone can take a step toward green living with the latest addition to National Geographic's popular "True Green" series.

Whether you are purchasing, renovating or just trying to maintain your current home, TRUE GREEN HOME: 100 Inspirational Ideas for Creating a Green Environment at Home (ISBN 978-1-4262-0399-2; on-sale date: March 3, 2009; $19.95 tradepaper) is the perfect go-green guide. Simple yet authoritative, it is an indispensable road map to a green lifestyle. Utilizing the same straightforward and fresh design of the earlier "True Green" books, this inspired reference provides 100 simple yet potent ways to incorporate environmentally friendly living — inside and outside your home. Authors Kim McKay and Jenny Bonnin believe we can all create a sustainable environment, and they show us, in a positive, easy-to-implement way, how to start with our own living spaces.

Each illustrated spread reveals a tip that's practical and manageable and explains how it will help the environment. Try the kitchen staple of baking soda and a little water to clean coffee and tea stains. Continue greening the outside by using native plants to keep pests at bay, and invite insect eaters such as birds into your garden. The books also includes profiles of 10 businesses or organizations that have made green an integral part of their ethos and the projects they undertake — impressive stories of innovation and commitment to the safekeeping of the environment that are as inspiring as they are educational.

McKay and Bonnin write, "With America having among the world's highest per-capita greenhouse emissions, everyone needs to help reduce our carbon footprint, and there's no better place to start than at home. Households make up one-fifth of our greenhouse gases, and the simple tips in this book should help everyone take steps that will lead to a reduction in those emissions."

Here are some of the 100 ways to create a green environment at home:

Recycling rules: It's never been easier to recycle, and about 31 percent of Americans regularly participate in recycling. Support your community's initiatives to ensure we have a trash-free environment. Create a recycling center in your own home with different containers for compost, recyclables and trash.
Insulate yourself: Good insulation is fundamental, given that the average American home wastes up to 30 percent of energy used for heating and cooling as a result of cracks and gaps in the roof and walls. Insulation helps regulate your home's internal temperature by reducing drafts and leakage of cool and warm air, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer.
Passive attack: Banish the air conditioner. Fresh air and natural light are essential for health, so invite them into your home, permanently, with passive design solutions like skylights and natural breezeways that can reduce reliance on electricity for heating and cooling.
Window shopping: Because 25-35 percent of your home's energy for cooling or heating is lost through windows, improving their thermal performance will reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Double glazing is a good choice for cold winters, since it entails less heat loss and less condensation. Louvered windows are great for catching the breeze on hot summer days.
Nothing but hot water: Water heating is the third largest domestic energy expense on your utility bill. By replacing your old electric hot water system with more energy-efficient options, you can make your single biggest contribution to the environment.
Carpet cleaners: Commercial carpet cleaning generates wastewater that includes chemicals and dirt. Clean your carpets with environmentally safe chemicals, use natural alternatives (like salt for red wine stains) and employ green-aware carpet-cleaning professionals. Place small, washable rugs over your carpets to keep them clean longer.

With its accessible format and lively approach, TRUE GREEN HOME is an informative guide for reducing waste and encouraging sustainability. To check out this book, and other green books from National Geographic, go to www.preserveourplanet.com/books.

Kim McKay, an international social marketing consultant, is co-founder and deputy chairman of Clean Up Australia and Clean Up the World.Jenny Bonnin is an international brand and communications strategist and a director of Clean Up Australia and Clean Up the World. McKay and Bonnin have co-written three National Geographic books: "True Green: 100 Everyday Ways You Can Contribute to a Healthier Planet" (April 2007); "True Green at Work: 100 Ways You Can Make the Environment Your Business" (February 2008); and "True Green Kids: 100 Things You Can Do to Save the Planet" (September 2008).

Note: To arrange an interview with Kim McKay and to hear her top five ways to be green at home, contact Chandra Teitscheid at (202) 828-6678 or cteitsch@ngs.org.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ANNOUNCES 'VISIONS OF PARADISE' PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS

2009-01-27

WASHINGTON (Jan. 27, 2009)—The 20 winning images in National Geographic's "Visions of Paradise" photography contest have been selected. Photographers were asked to submit images that best represented their unique vision of heaven on Earth. The winners will each receive a customized edition of the National Geographic book "Visions of Paradise," with their winning photograph as the cover image.

The winners are:

John Hart of Oconomowoc, Wisc., for two entries: a photo of a frost-covered horse and an image of a child in a fountain.
Mai Le Trinh of Las Vegas for her photo of a sunset on Corona del Mar Beach, California.
Kelsey Hargrove of Orlando, Fla., for an image of a pizza deliveryman in New York's Times Square.
Jorge Fajl of Agoura Hills, Calif., for his image of children on a beach at sunset.
Damien Murphy of Redmond, Wash., for an image of a snowy hill.
Suzanne Mathia of Scottsdale, Ariz., for her photo of Havasu Falls in Arizona.
Mitch Dobrowner of Studio City, Calif., for his photo of Shiprock in New Mexico.
Thomas Prezkop of Scottsdale, Ariz., for an image of Slide Rock in Arizona.
Sarah Le of Alexandria, Va., for her photo of a couple on a bench.
Harry Ogloff of Salmon Arm, British Columbia, Canada, for his photo of a reflection of the Rocky Mountains.
David Pincus of Fayetteville, Ark., for an image of the Wonder Wheel at Coney Island, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Greg Clark of Redding, Calif., for his photo of a sunrise.
Gemm Ferrane of Harwich, Essex, U.K., for his image of an Essex lighthouse.
Sarah Condon of Skaneateles, N.Y., for her photo of a horse rolling in dirt.
Dena Bowman of Amherst, N.Y., for an image of a rock formation in Page, Arizona.
Dieter Turk of Glasgow, Scotland, for his picture of a sailboat.
Joseph Romeo of Lorton, Va., for an image of a red barn.
Andrea Robinson of Santa Cruz, Calif., for a photo of waves on a beach.
Louis Decarlo of Edinburgh, Scotland, for his photo of the ocean off the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides.

The competition ran in conjunction with the publication of the book "Visions of Paradise," in which National Geographic photographers were asked to provide images that reflected what they considered as perfect, spellbinding or most divine in the world.

The winning "Vision of Paradise" contest images can be viewed at the competition Web site, www.nationalgeographic.com/myvision.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TO HOLD HUGE WAREHOUSE SALE AT AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER, TEXAS

2008-12-04

WASHINGTON (Dec. 4, 2008)—National Geographic is bringing truckloads of books, maps, globes, toys, clothing, luggage and more to its warehouse sale in Austin, Texas, this month. The event will be held at the Austin Convention Center from Friday, Dec. 12, to Sunday, Dec. 14, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

Fourteen tractor trailers will be loaded with almost everything that National Geographic has offered for sale in the past five years. Many of the items seen in National Geographic gift catalogs as well as 300 book titles will be available. Prices will be discounted up to 90 percent.

"This year's sale is one of the largest ever. We have more than 600 different products — that's 250,000 of the best-quality books, maps, toys, puzzles, travel accessories and gifts from around the world," said National Geographic's Bill O'Donnell, director of operations.

"Our warehouse sales attract both devoted fans of National Geographic and serious bargain hunters. They are a perfect opportunity to get a jump on holiday shopping. There is something for everybody on your list, be they professional or amateur traveler, adventurer, scientist, gardener, history buff, photographer, animal lover, student or teacher. Our books alone will be 20 percent to 90 percent off list price. People shopping for schools often buy lots of materials. At our last sale, the showroom was virtually emptied of merchandise," O'Donnell said.

The sale is being promoted through mailings, newspaper ads and radio spots. National Geographic members and teachers have received postcards that they can bring to the sale to exchange for a free calendar.

New to the sale this year will be a display of framed prints of some of National Geographic's best photographs, which are also available at the Web site www.printsNGS.com.

The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 325 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,000 scientific research projects and supports an education program combating geographic illiteracy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.