LIFE’s newest title, Wonders of the World, is a photographic compilation of the Top 50 Wonders in the universe. These contain the original Seven Wonders of the World conceived in the 5th century B.C. by the Greek historian Herodotus, seven new man-made wonders and seven runners-up chosen by almost 100 million voters in a global poll fielded by the New 7 Wonders Foundation, 14 of nature’s wonders, 14 modern wonders of engineering and construction and One Lone Wonder - the magnificence of the Northern and Southern Lights. LIFE Wonders of the World, which retails for $29.95 U.S./$34.95 Canada (hardcover), will be available online and at bookstores nationwide on October 20, 2009.

LIFE Press Release

Wonders of the World Unveiled:

LIFE Spotlights 50 of Man’s Greatest Achievements and Nature’s Most Sublime Marvels
Book also contains seven stunning, removable prints, suitable for framing

New York, NY – Defining the world’s “wonders” has challenged historians, philosophers and pundits for 26 centuries.  Now, LIFE puts its spin on the age-old debate with their newest title, LIFE Wonders of the World, a compilation of the Top 50 Wonders in the universe, including Seven Wonders hand-picked by LIFE’s editors.  From cover to cover, the book leads armchair travelers on an adventure beyond compare.  This must-have photographic collection makes LIFE Wonders of the World this year’s top holiday gift for photography aficionados, history buffs and travel enthusiasts alike.

LIFE’s Seven Wonders are presented as collectible, stand-alone 8” x 10” prints – each completely detachable and suitable for framing.  Once the photo is removed from its page, a duplicate photo remains underneath, leaving the book’s pages aesthetically intact. Culled from LIFE’s archives, these vintage prints are ready to be displayed in home, office or given as gifts, a measurable bonus value to the images and text. This unique format of removable prints, which won a 2009 Bookbinders Guild Award, debuted in last year’s popular holiday gift title, LIFE The Classic Collection.

Robert Sullivan, Editorial Director of LIFE Books, observed, “LIFE Wonders of the World contains some of LIFE’s most arresting images, taken by some of the world’s greatest photographers.  Readers will be both amazed and inspired by what man and Nature have achieved.”

The book’s magnificent content has been divided into six categories, namely:

Original Seven Wonders:  Conceived in the Fifth Century B.C. by the Greek historian Herodotus, these became known as “the Seven Ancient Wonders” and have been accepted, unchallenged, since the Middle Ages.

Seven New Man-made Wonders (and Seven Runners-up):  Almost 100 million people cast their votes in 2007, in a global poll fielded by the Swiss-based New 7 Wonders Foundation.

Nature’s Wonders:  LIFE Wonders of the World pays tribute to some of Mother Nature’s most unique and spectacular creations by highlighting 14 of the world’s most remarkable destinations.

Modern Wonders:  Circling the globe, these 14 spectacular feats of engineering and construction are among man’s greatest technological achievements

One Lone Wonder:  Rounding out the Top 50, LIFE Wonders of the World offers readers a glimpse at the magnificence of Auroras Borealis and Australis, the Northern and Southern Lights.

LIFE Wonders of the World, which retails for $29.95 U.S./$34.95 Canada (hardcover), will be available online and at bookstores nationwide on October 20, 2009.

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