Smithsonian Institution.

A history of the progression of music since its prehistoric beginnings, reviewing not only Western music but also music from around the world. Includes profiles of influential musicians, a history of instruments, and a listing of key works for each genre.

Best known for the groundbreaking portrait of his mother, James McNeill Whistler was the original art star. But beneath the high gloss, the struggle of this genius to find his own voice resulted in a breakaway style that moved painting towards abstraction and would revolutionize the art world in his time-and beyond. Dramatic re-creations, art, graphics, and interviews combine to profile this fascinating character.

Produced in association with the Smithsonian and including images from The National Music Museum in South Dakota, Music: The Definitive Visual History guides readers through the progression of music since its prehistoric beginnings, discussing not just Western classical music, but music from all around the world. Profiles the lives of groundbreaking musicians from Mozart to Elvis, takes an in-depth look at the history and function of various instruments,...

See amazing footage of helicopters as they demonstrate the many roles they play in our lives. Fly along with skilled crews as they carry out sea and mountain rescues, apprehend drug smugglers, repair high voltage lines, and more.

Profiles over four hundred animals from around the world, discussing their habitat, physical characteristics, and challenges they face.

Features historic and documentary footage of 20th century pioneering artists. Includes blues, country, gospel, folk, Cajun, sydeco, bluegrass, tejano and Native American music.

"Descubre las maravillas ocultas del reino vegetal. Flora desvela la asombrosa belleza y diversidad de las plantas gracias a unas claras explicaciones y unas imágenes excepcionales." "Explore the intricate inner workings of the plant kingdom--where seeds become shoots, and flowers become fruits--with this spectacular introduction to botany and how plants work. Stunning photography and engaging text combine to explain the intimate secrets of both...

Shows how American and Russian astronauts train for life aboard the Russian space station Mir and, in film taken by the American astronauts in space, shows how the astronauts live, work, and entertain in a zero-gravity environment. Includes a brief review of the history of manned space flight. Features American astronaut Shannon Lucid.

For billions of years, powerful natural forces have shaped the Earth. Now, a new force, as threatening as any in nature, has begun to change our planet...we are that force. This collection of footage by astronauts from five Space Shuttle missions and scenes shot here on earth provides a look at the forces affecting the earth's fragile ecological balance.