Posthumously published in 1864, The Maine Woods depicts Henry David Thoreau's experiences in the forests of Maine, and expands on the author's transcendental theories on the relation of humanity to Nature. On Mount Katahdin, he faces a primal, untamed Nature. Katahdin is a place "not even scarred by man, but it was a specimen of what God saw fit to make this world." In Maine he comes in contact with "rocks, trees, wind and solid earth" as though he...

In one of his first books, "The Mountains of California", John Muir, famed naturalist, environmentalist, and author, recounts his travels through the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Yosemite Valley. First published in 1894, "The Mountains of California" is a captivating and vivid portrait of the raw beauty of this spectacular place. He takes the readers on a tour of the wonders that abound, writing "Go where you may within the bounds of California, mountains...

In this acclaimed travel memoir, Donald Richie paints a memorable portrait of the island-studded Inland Sea. His existential ruminations on food, culture, and love and his brilliant descriptions of life and landscape are a window into an Old Japan that has now nearly vanished. Included are the twenty black and white photographs by Yoichi Midorikawa that accompanied the original 1971 edition.

IN THE SUMMER OF 1849 there was in California one J. Ross Browne representing the United States Postal Service. In the course of his official duties he made a trip by "mule power and foot power" from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo. The tale of this trip is authentic, unusual Californian: the narrative combines the outlandish happenings of the journey-including a brush with outlaws, and a death battle between a bull and a huge bear-with a reporter's...

Although best known as a sprawling metropolis, most visitors to Singapore marvel at the greenness of it all. Wide boulevards shaded by venerable Rain Trees, interconnecting parks displaying a huge variety of tropical plants, roadside plantings in every shade of green, red and yellow, and great expanses of junglescape alongside the office skyscrapers and apartment blocks. It is truly a garden city, in all senses of the word. In this travel pictorial,...

Scottish-born naturalist and writer John Muir undertook a daring adventure in 1867, just a few years after the Civil War. After recovering from an injury at a saw mill, Muir decided that he wanted to explore the world. He left his life in Indiana and walked one thousand miles to Florida. Without any real direction or purpose other than to study the flora and fauna, Muir trekked south through Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida...

A Geek in Thailand is a lighthearted look at Thailand from a young foreign visitor and resident's perspective. This alternative guide to Thailand offers a smart and concise take on Thai culture, entertainment, daily life--covering all the classics--but also revealing the path less traveled. In short articles accompanied by sidebars and numerous, colorful photographs, it paints a revealing picture of Asia's most popular travel destination. A Geek in...

While sightseeing in San Francisco, the Boxcar children uncover a mystery involving fishing boats and sabotage.

A vivid, often surprising account of South Asia today by the author of An End to Suffering. In his new book, Pankaj Mishra brings literary authority and political insight to bear on travels that are at once epic and personal. Traveling in the changing cultures of South Asia, Mishra sees the pressures-the temptations-of Western-style modernity and prosperity, and teases out the paradoxes of globalization. A visit to Allahabad, birthplace of Jawaharlal...

"G'Day mate! Discover the landmarks that make Australia well known around the world-ancient landforms, such as Uluru, unique animals, sunny beaches, and modern city structures, such as the Sydney Opera House"--