Terra maxima : the records of humankind / Wolfgang Kunth, editor.

Includes index.

Countries and nations -- Languages and scripts -- Faith and religion: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism -- Cities and metropolises -- Urban megastructures -- Towers -- Palaces -- Transportation and traffic: road traffic, rail traffic, bridges and tunnels, shipping -- Aviation and space travel -- Art and culture -- Science and research -- Sports and leisure.

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 civilisation in their entirety and diversity. More than 3000 colour 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, theatres, libraries and sports venues.

Includes bibliographical references and index.