📖 Overview
National Geographic: Around the World in 125 Years presents a photographic journey through the magazine's archives from 1888 to 2013. This three-volume collection showcases hundreds of images selected from National Geographic's vast repository of photographs.
The book chronicles global exploration, scientific discovery, and cultural documentation across continents and decades. Each volume focuses on different geographical regions - the Americas and Antarctica, Asia and Oceania, and Europe and Africa - with photographs arranged chronologically within their respective sections.
The collection includes work from renowned photographers who shaped the visual identity of National Geographic, along with previously unpublished images from the magazine's archives. Historical context accompanies each section through essays and original magazine excerpts.
This compilation represents both the evolution of photojournalism and humanity's changing relationship with the natural world, exploration, and cultural exchange. The photographs capture moments of transformation across societies while documenting National Geographic's own journey as a pioneer in visual storytelling.
👀 Reviews
Readers value this collection as a photographic time capsule showcasing National Geographic's iconic imagery and documentation of world cultures from 1888-2013.
LIKED:
- Print quality and reproduction of historical photographs
- Included photographer details and image context
- Organization by continent provides geographic perspective
- Large format (10.6 x 14.7") displays photos in detail
- Sturdy slipcase protects the three volumes
DISLIKED:
- High price point ($499 at release)
- Heavy weight makes handling difficult
- Some readers found Americas volume overemphasized U.S. content
- Text translations in multiple languages take up space that could show more photos
RATINGS:
Amazon: 4.7/5 (89 reviews)
Goodreads: 4.5/5 (41 reviews)
Reader quote: "The reproductions are magnificent. Each page brings back memories of growing up with National Geographic and discovering the world through its lens." - Amazon reviewer
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Earth from Above by Yann Arthus-Bertrand Aerial photographs reveal human impact and natural patterns across Earth's landscapes in 195 countries.
Genesis by Sebastião Salgado Black and white photographs capture remote landscapes and indigenous peoples from 32 expeditions to untouched corners of the planet.
The World Atlas of Street Photography by Jackie Higgins Street photographers from 100 cities present human life and urban culture across continents and decades.
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🤔 Interesting facts
🌍 National Geographic's first photograph in color was published in 1914 - an image of a flower garden in Ghent, Belgium.
📚 The book's collection spans three volumes, divided by continent: The Americas & Antarctica, Europe & Africa, and Asia & Oceania.
📸 Out of millions of photographs in National Geographic's archives, only about 1,500 were selected for inclusion in this compilation.
🗞️ The magazine's iconic yellow border design was first introduced in 1910 and has remained virtually unchanged for over a century.
🎨 Each of the book's volumes weighs approximately 6.5 pounds (3 kg), and together they showcase the work of more than 100 photographers across 1,468 pages.