Culled from National Geographic's extraordinary archive, each of the 280 photographs in this wonderful book offers its own unique answer to the question, What makes a great portrait? In Focus is divided into periods that correspond roughly to changes in photographic equipment and techniques, from the cumbersome cameras and long exposures of early days to the advent of color film and the lightweight, modern gear that fostered a new, informal spontaneity in portraiture. The book traces the evolving roles and goals of photographers themselves, themes eloquently explored in the text by editor Leah Bendavid-Val and five of our finest contemporary photographers: Sam Abell, Stuart Franklin, Jodi Cobb, William Albert Allard, and David Alan Harvey. Through their essays and the ever evocative photographs, In Focus offers revealing insights on how photographers' work both reflects and influences how we see ourselves and the world.

«For those who appreciate the pleasures of the table, there are no happier reasons to travel than to explore the world's great culinary traditions. Every cuisine tells a unique story about the local landscape, climate, history, and culture — «Food Journeys of a Lifetime» will introduce you to the farmers, fishermen, bakers, and chefs who transform nature's bounty into a thousand gustatory delights. And once you're appetite has been whetted, you'll be able to try your own hand at some of these culinary delights, as the book features recipes you can try at home. In addition, «Food Journeys of a Lifetime» will provide detailed, practical travel information to help make your dream food pilgrimage a reality. So what's your pleasure? A pastrami sandwich in one of New York's bustling delicatessens or homemade jerk chicken from a local street vendor in Jamaica? Learning to cook delicious Chinese dumplings in Beijing or munching on hand-picked apples amid Vermont's fall foliage? Whatever your taste, «Food Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 Extraordinary Places to Eat Around the Globe» will have something on the menu for you.»