Chic Geek
Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 8:58AM 
There's something remarkably enchanting about wandering the corridors of a beautiful museum and getting lost among galleries of rare curiosities. Some of my fondest childhood memories involve family trips to the Smithsonian museums in Washington, DC. My favorites were the Natural History Museum, the Air and Space Museum, and the National Zoo. These exhibits sparked an insatiable curiosity about the universe and fostered a deep appreciation for the natural sciences.
I spotted this gorgeous book while Christmas shopping at Barnes & Noble, and immediately became obsessed. I wanted to dash to the nearest register and make it mine. But I resisted, promising myself I'd purchase it after the holidays. Delightfully, my wonderfully generous cousin-in-law sent me this very book just a few days later!
After reading this gigantic book cover to cover, I felt as if I had visited an entire museum from the comfort of our couch (wearing a robe). Natural History is a visual jewel box filled with over 5,000 species and specimens. It's packed, page after page, with incredible photographs, detailed illustrations, and intriguing facts. This compendium is not limited to plants and animals. Rocks, minerals, fossils, bacteria, protists, and fungi also make stunning appearances. Although the book highlights certain species more extensively than others, it does a fantastic job at showcasing astounding diversities in nature.
I also received DK's enormous History and Science guides, and can't wait to sit down and devour them both. These impressive books are sure to be regulars on our coffee table. By the way, if anybody is looking for a museum buddy, you know where to find me!
Reader Comments (6)
i'm so jealous! those books look amazing!!! i, myself, just bought "arabian nights" from b&n 2 nights ago. i had borrowed it from the library before and never finished it so i had to return it. but then when i went back, i didn't see it on the shelves anymore so i was =( you can imagine my excitement/delight when i saw it at b&n. the book cover is the same style as your "grimms fairy tales" book (i also have the sherlock holmes one which i'm currently reading!!!). so much to read...so little time! i need to win the lottery so i can quit my job and stay at home and read!!!
These books remind me so much of your apartment. You live in a museum!!!
You nerd.
i can't believe we haven't been to a museum or zoo together, ever!
and those books look amazing!!
@ Reba - I agree! Barnes & Noble leatherbound classics are so gorgeous, they'd make wonderful additions to any library.
@Grace - You don't know how many times I've heard that. I think I have hoarding tendencies...
@Ray - You love.
@Ann - Now we know what to do when you visit :)
I love the Smithsonian's Visual Guide. Great coffee table book and/or conversation starter!
Have a look at this: The book is great, but poorly binded.
http://www.amazon.com/Playful-Eye-Album-Visual-Delight/dp/0811826961