Terra Maxima: The Records of Humankind

by Wolfgang Kunth (Editor)

The greatest achievements of humankind in one stunning volume. From the most widely used languages and scripts, to the great religious communities, to the giant structures and the technological successes of the modern age -- this volume offers a fascinating overview of the records and achievements of civilization in their entirety and diversity. More than 3000 color photographs taken by top photographers around the world celebrate the cultural and technological touchstones of human history. Ranking lists provide at-a-glance overviews while descriptive captions give substantial information on a number of topics. Concise text tells of the economic developments and population growth in our megacities, the pioneering work done in science and technology, and the remarkable innovations in the construction of museums, theaters, libraries and sports venues, among many other human achievements. The book is set out in ten chapters, each covering dozens of topics laid out in double-page spreads filled with brilliant photographs of structures and technology. Fascinating browsing, essential reference, and a tremendous documentation of contemporary achievement, Terra Maxima is a unique compilation of the ultimate.

576 pages, Hardcover

First published September 17, 2013

Reviews

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This hefty book presents a sampler for anyone interested in seeing the large contributions of humankind. From religious structures to space engineering, from the Library of Congress to the manuscript collection at the Vatican, Terra Maxima is interested in showing each reader the marvelous objects and places of the world throughout the history of mankind. Photos are the main feature of each page, although there is small text around the perimeter. The text, though small, contains relevant and interesting bits of information to pique a browser’s curiosity for further study. The text also contains top 10 lists based on population, area, size, etc.

Terra Maxima is an ideal coffee table or reference book for those who are interested in the major human accomplishments of our world. This book presents a global perspective, with an extensive section of religious structures and artifacts, as well as architectural marvels. The only thing I would have liked to see was a little map of the world, with a star showing the location. The author assumed the reader knew each city’s respective country. Recommended for coffee tables around the world and for public libraries.

[Marathon County Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This oversized, wonderfully-illustrated volumes has to be seen to be believed. Bursting with over 3,000 full-color photographs, TERRA MAXIMA is a visual guide to the major technological and cultural achievements of mankind. Its 576 pages describe and illustrate a myriad of human accomplishments such as the tallest buildings, the largest libraries, the most important natural history museums, the highest mountain roads, the richest countries, the smallest countries, the most produced cars, the fastest trains, the longest North American suspension bridges, the largest Christian statutes, etc. It's a wonderfully-appealing, visually delightful and educational chronicle of wonders created by homo sapiens over the years.

Mike O. / Marathon County Public Library
Find this book in our library catalog.

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, it's basically just a big picture book, but what wonderful pictures. Looking through Terra Maxima will make you appreciate that there is amazing architecture all around the world and stir your desire for travel to places you hadn't previously thought of visiting. I kind of ended up wishing that it wouldn't have been limited to man-made objects, but would also have included natural wonders. Coverage of some of our darker achievements might have also made for interesting comparisons: polluting factories, factory farms, or incarceration facilities for instance.