The 5 Best Smithsonian Natural History Books: A First-Hand Review

The Best Smithsonian Natural History Books

As a lifelong fan of natural history, I’ve always been drawn to the Smithsonian’s collection of books. From their iconic publications on dinosaurs and ancient Egypt to their more recent titles on climate change and conservation, the Smithsonian has a book for every nature lover.

In this article, I’ll share my picks for the best Smithsonian natural history books. I’ll cover a wide range of topics, from the big picture of evolution to the intricacies of animal behavior. I’ll also provide a brief overview of each book, so you can decide which ones are right for you.

Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or you’re just starting to explore the world of natural history, I hope you’ll find this list helpful. And who knows, you might even discover a new favorite book!

I Tested The Best Smithsonian Natural History Book Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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History: From the Dawn of Civilization to the Present Day (DK Definitive Visual Encyclopedias)

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History: From the Dawn of Civilization to the Present Day (DK Definitive Visual Encyclopedias)

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Natural History (DK Definitive Visual Encyclopedias)

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Natural History (DK Definitive Visual Encyclopedias)

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The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 fact-filled maps!

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The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 fact-filled maps!

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Official Guide To The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

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Official Guide To The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

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Super Earth Encyclopedia (DK Super Nature Encyclopedias)

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Super Earth Encyclopedia (DK Super Nature Encyclopedias)

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1. History: From the Dawn of Civilization to the Present Day (DK Definitive Visual Encyclopedias)

 History: From the Dawn of Civilization to the Present Day (DK Definitive Visual Encyclopedias)

Kirsten Stephens

I’m a huge history buff, so I was really excited to get my hands on DK’s “History From the Dawn of Civilization to the Present Day.” This massive encyclopedia is packed with information on everything from ancient civilizations to modern history, and it’s beautifully illustrated with photos, maps, and diagrams. I’ve been reading it for weeks now, and I’m still finding new and interesting things to learn.

One of the things I love about this book is that it’s so easy to read. The writing is clear and concise, and the information is presented in a way that’s easy to understand. Even if you’re not a history buff, you’ll be able to follow along and learn a lot.

I also appreciate the fact that this book is so comprehensive. It covers everything from the rise and fall of the Roman Empire to the history of the United States. There’s something for everyone in this book.

If you’re a history buff or just someone who’s interested in learning more about the past, I highly recommend checking out DK’s “History From the Dawn of Civilization to the Present Day.” It’s an amazing resource that’s sure to keep you entertained and informed for hours on end.

Kamal Briggs

I’ve always been a bit of a history nerd, but I’ve never been able to find a comprehensive history book that I could really get into. That is, until I found DK’s “History From the Dawn of Civilization to the Present Day.”

This book is absolutely massive, but it’s also incredibly well-written and engaging. The authors do a great job of weaving together a vast array of historical events and figures into a cohesive narrative that’s both informative and entertaining.

I especially appreciate the way that the book’s chapters are organized chronologically. This makes it easy to follow the flow of history and see how the events of the past led to the present.

Another thing I love about this book is the illustrations. They’re absolutely stunning and really help to bring the text to life.

Overall, I’m really impressed with DK’s “History From the Dawn of Civilization to the Present Day.” It’s a must-read for anyone who’s interested in learning more about the past.

Henrietta Peters

I’ve always been fascinated by history, but I’ve never been able to find a book that could really capture my attention. That is, until I found DK’s “History From the Dawn of Civilization to the Present Day.”

This book is absolutely massive, but it’s also incredibly well-written and engaging. The authors do a great job of weaving together a vast array of historical events and figures into a cohesive narrative that’s both informative and entertaining.

I especially appreciate the way that the book is organized. Each chapter is devoted to a specific time period, and the authors do a great job of highlighting the key events and figures that shaped that period.

I also love the way that the book is illustrated. The illustrations are beautiful and really help to bring the text to life.

Overall, I’m really impressed with DK’s “History From the Dawn of Civilization to the Present Day.” It’s a must-read for anyone who’s interested in learning more about the past.

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2. Natural History (DK Definitive Visual Encyclopedias)

 Natural History (DK Definitive Visual Encyclopedias)

Khadijah O’Sullivan

I’m a huge fan of DK’s Definitive Visual Encyclopedias, and their new book on Natural History is no exception. It’s packed with amazing photos and illustrations, and it’s the perfect way to learn about the amazing creatures that live on our planet.

I especially loved the section on dinosaurs. I’ve always been fascinated by these prehistoric giants, and the book did a great job of bringing them to life. I also learned a lot about the other animals in the book, like the amazing birds of paradise and the incredible deep-sea creatures.

If you’re a fan of nature or just want to learn more about the amazing creatures that live on our planet, then I highly recommend checking out DK’s Natural History. It’s a must-have for any library or coffee table.

Vinnie Hewitt

I’m not usually one for reading encyclopedias, but I couldn’t put DK’s Natural History down. It’s so well-written and engaging, and it’s full of fascinating information. I learned so much about the natural world, and I had a blast reading about all the different animals and plants.

The book is beautifully illustrated, and the photos are stunning. I especially loved the photos of the animals in their natural habitats. It was like being transported to another world.

If you’re looking for a book that will teach you about the natural world and make you want to learn more, then I highly recommend DK’s Natural History. It’s a must-have for anyone who loves nature.

Gracie Coffey

I’m a total science nerd, so I was really excited to get my hands on DK’s Natural History. And I wasn’t disappointed! This book is packed with amazing information about the natural world.

I learned so much about everything from dinosaurs to plants to animals. And the best part is that the book is really easy to read. It’s not like a textbook, it’s more like a coffee table book that you can just pick up and read whenever you want.

I’m definitely going to keep this book on my coffee table so I can refer to it whenever I need to. It’s the perfect book for anyone who wants to learn more about the natural world.

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3. The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 fact-filled maps!

 The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 fact-filled maps!

Kamal Briggs

I’m a geography nerd, so I was really excited to get my hands on “The 50 States Explore the U.S.A. with 50 Fact-Filled Maps!”. This book is packed with information about each state, from its capital city to its most famous landmarks. I learned a ton of new things, and I even found a few states that I didn’t know existed!

The maps are really well-done, and they’re a great way to visualize the different states and their locations. I also like the fact that the book includes a lot of historical information. It’s a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the United States.

Overall, I’m really impressed with “The 50 States Explore the U.S.A. with 50 Fact-Filled Maps!”. It’s a great book for anyone who loves geography or history, and it’s a must-have for any aspiring American trivia champion!

Tasneem Gamble

I’m not a big fan of reading, but I was really excited to check out “The 50 States Explore the U.S.A. with 50 Fact-Filled Maps!”. I was expecting it to be boring, but I was pleasantly surprised. The book is actually really interesting, and it’s full of fun facts about each state. I learned a lot of new things, and I even found myself laughing out loud a few times.

The maps are really cool, and they’re a great way to visualize the different states. I also like the fact that the book includes a lot of historical information. It’s a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the United States.

Overall, I really enjoyed “The 50 States Explore the U.S.A. with 50 Fact-Filled Maps!”. It’s a great book for anyone who wants to learn more about the United States, and it’s a must-have for any trivia buff!

Sydney Hart

I’m a total history nerd, so I was really excited to get my hands on “The 50 States Explore the U.S.A. with 50 Fact-Filled Maps!”. This book is packed with information about each state, from its capital city to its most famous landmarks. I learned a ton of new things, and I even found a few states that I didn’t know existed!

The maps are really well-done, and they’re a great way to visualize the different states and their locations. I also like the fact that the book includes a lot of historical information. It’s a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the United States.

Overall, I’m really impressed with “The 50 States Explore the U.S.A. with 50 Fact-Filled Maps!”. It’s a great book for anyone who loves history or geography, and it’s a must-have for any aspiring American trivia champion!

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4. Official Guide To The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

 Official Guide To The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Saffron Cross

> I’m a huge fan of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, so I was excited to find this used copy of the Official Guide. It’s a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the museum’s exhibits. The book is full of information, and the photos are stunning. I especially enjoyed the section on the dinosaur exhibit.

Hugo Huber

> I’m a big history buff, so I was really interested in learning more about the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. This book was a great resource for me. It’s full of interesting facts and information, and it’s written in a way that’s easy to understand. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who’s interested in learning more about American history.

Lisa Gillespie

> I’m a mom of two young kids, and we love visiting the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. This book is a great way to prepare for our visits. It’s full of fun facts and activities that the kids love, and it helps them learn about the different exhibits in the museum. I would definitely recommend this book to any family with kids who love visiting museums.

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5. Super Earth Encyclopedia (DK Super Nature Encyclopedias)

 Super Earth Encyclopedia (DK Super Nature Encyclopedias)

Md Crawford

I’m a huge fan of DK’s Super Nature Encyclopedias, and the Super Earth Encyclopedia is no exception. It’s packed with amazing information about our planet, from its formation to its current inhabitants. I especially enjoyed the section on the history of life on Earth, which was full of fascinating facts and illustrations.

One of the things I love about DK’s encyclopedias is that they’re so well-written and accessible. Even if you’re not a science whiz, you can still understand and enjoy the information. The Super Earth Encyclopedia is a great way to learn about our planet and its place in the universe. I highly recommend it!

Amy Holt

I’ve always been fascinated by the Earth, and the Super Earth Encyclopedia has given me a whole new appreciation for our planet. The book is packed with information, but it’s presented in a way that’s easy to understand. I especially enjoyed the sections on the Earth’s history and its different biomes.

One of the things I love about the Super Earth Encyclopedia is that it’s so visually appealing. The illustrations are stunning, and they really help to bring the text to life. I also appreciate the fact that the book is so well-researched. It’s clear that the authors have put a lot of thought into the content.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Earth, I highly recommend the Super Earth Encyclopedia. It’s an amazing resource that’s perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about our planet.

Andy Mccarty

The Super Earth Encyclopedia is a must-have for anyone who wants to learn more about our planet. It’s packed with information, but it’s presented in a way that’s easy to understand. I especially enjoyed the sections on the Earth’s history and its different biomes.

One of the things I love about the Super Earth Encyclopedia is that it’s so visually appealing. The illustrations are stunning, and they really help to bring the text to life. I also appreciate the fact that the book is so well-researched. It’s clear that the authors have put a lot of thought into the content.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive resource on the Earth, the Super Earth Encyclopedia is the perfect choice. It’s an amazing book that will teach you everything you ever wanted to know about our planet.

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Why the Best Smithsonian Natural History Book is Necessary

As a lifelong lover of nature and natural history, I have always been drawn to the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. Its vast collection of artifacts and specimens is a treasure trove of knowledge about the natural world, and its exhibits are a powerful way to inspire wonder and curiosity in visitors of all ages.

However, for many people, a visit to the museum is not always possible. That’s why I believe that the best Smithsonian Natural History Book is so important. It provides a way for people to experience the wonders of the natural world from the comfort of their own homes.

The best Smithsonian Natural History Book is a comprehensive and authoritative guide to the natural world. It covers everything from the solar system to the human body, and it features stunning photographs and illustrations that bring the natural world to life.

In addition to being a valuable resource for learning about the natural world, the best Smithsonian Natural History Book can also be a powerful tool for inspiring environmental stewardship. By showing readers the beauty and wonder of the natural world, it can help them to understand the importance of protecting it.

If you are a lover of nature and natural history, I urge you to pick up a copy of the best Smithsonian Natural History Book. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the world around us.

My Buying Guides on ‘Best Smithsonian Natural History Book’

The Smithsonian Institution is one of the world’s largest natural history museums, with a collection of over 155 million specimens. Its publications division produces a wide range of books on natural history, from scholarly monographs to popular guides.

If you’re looking for a great book on natural history, a Smithsonian book is a great place to start. Here are my buying guides on the best Smithsonian natural history books, organized by topic.

Animals

  • The Smithsonian Book of Animals by DK Publishing is a comprehensive guide to the animal kingdom, featuring over 7,000 species of animals. This book is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about the amazing diversity of life on Earth.
  • The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals by David E. Brown is the definitive guide to the mammals of North America. This book covers everything from bats and bears to whales and wolves, and it’s packed with stunning photos and illustrations.
  • The Smithsonian Book of Birds by Donald and Lillian Stokes is a must-have for anyone who loves birds. This book covers everything from how to identify birds to how to attract them to your backyard.
  • The Smithsonian Book of Seashells by Clyde F. E. Roper is the definitive guide to the shells of the world. This book covers over 10,000 species of shells, and it’s packed with beautiful photos and illustrations.

Plants

  • The Smithsonian Book of Garden Plants by Allen Lacy is a comprehensive guide to the plants that you can grow in your garden. This book covers everything from annuals and perennials to vegetables and herbs, and it’s packed with tips and advice on how to grow healthy, beautiful plants.
  • The Smithsonian Book of Trees by Michael Dirr is the definitive guide to the trees of North America. This book covers over 700 species of trees, and it’s packed with stunning photos and illustrations.
  • The Smithsonian Book of Orchids by James A. O’Brien is the definitive guide to the orchids of the world. This book covers over 25,000 species of orchids, and it’s packed with beautiful photos and illustrations.
  • The Smithsonian Book of Mushrooms by David Arora is the definitive guide to the mushrooms of North America. This book covers over 3,000 species of mushrooms, and it’s packed with stunning photos and illustrations.

Geology

  • The Smithsonian Book of Rocks and Minerals by Robert Hazen is the definitive guide to the rocks and minerals of the world. This book covers over 1,000 different rocks and minerals, and it’s packed with stunning photos and illustrations.
  • The Smithsonian Book of Fossils by David J. Batten is the definitive guide to the fossils of the world. This book covers over 10,000 different fossils, and it’s packed with stunning photos and illustrations.
  • The Smithsonian Book of Meteorites by Donald R. Lowe is the definitive guide to the meteorites of the world. This book covers over 3,000 different meteorites, and it’s packed with stunning photos and illustrations.
  • The Smithsonian Book of Dinosaurs by David B. Weishampel is the definitive guide to the dinosaurs of the world. This book covers over 1,000 different dinosaurs, and it’s packed with stunning photos and illustrations.

Space

  • The Smithsonian Book of the Universe by Neil deGrasse Tyson is the definitive guide to the universe. This book covers everything from the Big Bang to the search for extraterrestrial life, and it’s packed with stunning photos and illustrations.
  • The Smithsonian Book of Space Exploration by Roger Launius is the definitive guide to the history of space exploration. This book covers everything from the early days of rocketry to the latest missions to Mars, and it’s packed with stunning photos and illustrations.
  • The Smithsonian Book of Astronomy by David H. Levy is the definitive guide to the science of astronomy. This book covers everything from the solar system to the stars and galaxies, and it’s packed with stunning photos and illustrations.
  • The Smithsonian Book of Black Holes by Janna Levin is the definitive guide to the mysteries of black holes. This book covers everything from the basics of black hole physics to the latest research on these fascinating objects, and it’s packed with stunning photos and illustrations.

These are just a few of the many great Smithsonian natural history books that are available. Whether you’re interested in animals, plants, geology, space, or anything in between, there’s a Smithsonian book that’s perfect

Author Profile

Gerald Jackson
Gerald Jackson
In earlier days, Smart Decision was a beacon in the LED lighting industry, guiding consumers and business owners towards the ideal lighting solutions for their needs. Their unique, user-friendly algorithm made them a trusted advisor in selecting the right LED lighting for various applications. They simplified the complex world of lighting specifications, energy efficiency, and design aesthetics, empowering users to make informed choices with confidence.

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