ADULT BOOKS

Dorling Kindersley’s aim is to produce home reference books for all ages, outstanding in quality and accessibility in both text and design. The adult list of titles is testament to this. Its scope is wide and varied and every title is carefully and thoughtfully put together creating something that is the ultimate in information and visual excitement. DK is the market leader in a number of their adult categories: gardening, childcare, healthcare, petcare and travel.

The launch of Animal in 2001 reinforced DK's core brand values in a stunning new format and earned widespread acclaim.

The DK Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides, also launched in 2001, were also an instant success outselling all other guides on the market. In the future DK will continue to produce such highly desirable books in all their already key areas, but are also branching out into new fields and taking on board more renowned authors. Judith Miller joins DK with her Antiques Price Guide, the first publication for DK in the antiques and collectibles market; Bill Wyman adds to the popular culture list with the publication of ‘Rolling with the Stones’, a fascinating insight into 40 years with the most enduring rock 'n' roll act ever.

As well as maintaining their partnerships with such authoritative organizations as the AHS,AMA and ASPB, DK will be teaming up with Johnson's to produce a brand new range of Child Development Guides. As ever DK is constantly seeking new opportunities to improve and expand its range of titles to create thoroughly international books with universal themes and integrity to match.

Business Titles
In 1998 DK published its first business titles. It marked a revolution in business publishing as DK worked its colourful magic in a market which traditionally was black, white and dull. The groundbreaking Essential Managers series filled a niche in the market helping people meet new challenges, improve efficiency and stay successful. The series, which will number 39 titles in all, is both practical and visually attractive and breaks down business into bitesize manageable chunks in a comprehensive, attractive and practical way. They can be used a starting points for those completely new to business, or as useful guides for brushing up techniques. The series is internationally acclaimed and has sold over 2 million worldwide.

The Essential Manager's Manual (a collection of the first 12 Essential Manager titles) is widely used by trainers and has been consistently on the hardback bestseller lists since its publication in 1998. DK's business list contains titles that appeal to everyone interested in business whatever the level. Business expert Robert Heller has written several key titles which are ideal reference for managers, while Everybody's Business is a practical handbook setting out ways to meet the expectations of corporate social responsibility that is so essential in today's global society. Endorsed by the Financial Times and with a foreword by HRH Prince of Wales, Everybody's Business has received international acclaim from all areas of the business community. In the Business Mastermind series each title focuses on a key figure in the business world following their career and strategies; the Small Business Guides are the definitive practical reference source for anyone with their own business.

DK's business titles are refreshing, vital and neither daunting nor frightening. They combine DK's clarity of design and authoritative text to create a series of books which has made DK one of the top five business reference publishers in the US.

Medical Reference Titles
DK's medical reference list comprises two main groups: the First Aid list and the American Medical Association (AMA) titles. Consistent with its position at the forefront of innovative publishing, DK persuaded the three Voluntary Societies - the British Red Cross, St John's Ambulance and St Andrew's Ambulance - to advise and endorse a new First Aid Manual which appeared in 1982. It was the first First Aid Manual to have appeared for decades and was badly needed. Praised for its practical, accessible and comprehensive approach it has since become the most authoritative guide available, and is regularly updated every five years, or as the international first aid techniques alter. The 7th edition of the title appeared in 1998 and this time was uniquely illustrated with photographs. By 2001 the First Aid Manual had sold over 6.5 million copies worldwide. It is consistently used as a teaching guide for first aid courses nationally. Following on from this flagship title are DK's other first aid manuals which are all clear, concise and user-friendly and provide all the essential information needed for every emergency situation whether at home, work or on the move.

DK Parenting Titles
In 1990 DK published The Complete Book of Mother & Baby Care, the first baby book to really show new parents how to care for their child. Since then DK's parenting titles have become some of the most renowned on the subject. The innovative step-by-step, no-nonsense approach to babycare combined with the authority of the expert authors has reassured countless parents and carers. The list incorporates books on both the conventional and complementary approach to pregnancy and deals with every aspect of parenting from sleep patterns to sex education and adolescence, from first foods to massage.

One of the most prominent and best-selling authors for DK is Dr Miriam Stoppard. Dr Stoppard has been at the forefront of the revolution in health for over 30 years. She has published over 40 best-selling DK titles and has become well-known to millions all over the world as one of the leading authorities on parenting, baby and childcare as well as on women's health, relationships and sexual well-being. Over 2.3 million of Dr Stoppard's books have been sold worldwide. Dr Miriam Stoppard's Family Health Guide (Oct 2002) is a ground-breaking book packed with practical advice on how to maintain a lifetime of good physical and emotional health. In 1998, Dr Stoppard was made a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in recognition of her work in promoting health issues. Her practical, sensible and sympathetic approach maintains her position in the forefront of the pregnancy and childcare market.

All of DK's parenting titles are regularly updated to keep abreast of the latest research and schools of thought so that ultimately the books continue to accurately inform each new generation of parents.

DK Gardening Titles
From the very early days as a book packager, gardening titles have always been a prominent and important part of the DK list. DK's continuing standard of clarity in both illustration and practical advice has ensured that DK's gardening titles are loved by experts and amateur gardeners alike. The range of subjects covered in the list is extensive and deals with every aspect of gardening from the plants and their nuturing to the construction and maintenance of garden features ponds, fences, paving etc. DK has had enormous success with its longstanding partnership with the American Horticultural Society (AHS) from both the larger, more comprehensive encyclopedias as well as the more compact Practical Guides. The AHS is the world's leading horticultural association and advises on best gardening practice, new techniques and planting ideas. The DK/AHS titles have been widely acclaimed and continue to be an inspiration for every type of gardener whether seasoned or amateur.

Over the years DK has also been linked with some of the most renowned names in the gardening world - Pippa Greenwood, Anna Pavord, John Brookes - producing an unrivalled range of gardening topics from the best in their field. DK has added to this with the publication of Jekka McVicar's New Book of Herbs (Oct 2002). Jekka McVicar is a successful and celebrated organic herb grower and this book is a complete and fresh reference title on this subject. As with all the other preceding publications this title will ensure DK's position at the forefront of gardening publishing well into the 21st century.

DK Travel Titles
In 1993 DK began publishing one of their most popular series: the DK Eyewitness Travel Guides. Although there were plenty of travel guides already on the market, DK felt that none of them met the modern expectations of ease of use and high standards of presentation. The DK Eyewitness Travel Guides are full of essential information, stunning photographs, beautiful illustration and user-friendly maps. They were quickly recognized as incredibly useful in planning a vacation and for finding your way around a destination, and are also bought as souvenirs and as visual guides for the "armchair traveller". Starting with guides to London, Paris, New York and Rome the series has continued to grow with guides to new destinations appearing every year. They are published in over 25 languages worldwide from Korean to Finnish to Romanian and have won numerous awards both in international markets as well as in the UK. More than 15 million copies of the series have been sold worldwide.

In 2002 DK launched a pocket series: the DK Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides. These cover cities and regions of the world, including some which have not been covered by the main Eyewitness Travel Guide series. Again the emphasis in on well-presented, solid information but the series is aimed particularly at people visiting a place for a short period of time. The concise but visual format will make sure that they will have seen and been to the best of everything: sights, museums, restaurants, shops and beaches. Also published as part of the DK Travel list are maps, phrase books and language courses. DK's invaluable range of atlases provide a unique global picture of the world in clear encyclopediaic form with detailed information and comprehensive indexing.