Disappearing world: the Earth's most extraordinary and endangered places.

London: Harper Collins Publishers, 2007.
Quarto, dustwrapper, 272 pp. (ISBN: 0007261187) (EAN: 9780007261185)

Uncovers the dramatic story behind over 100 of the most threatened World Heritage Sites. Sites of natural and cultural significance have been preserved as World Heritage Sites since 1972 with 851 locations now on the official list. Although this offers some level of protection, it does not make them completely safe. This book presents the issues facing conservation of unique places around the world in a highly illustrated and accessible way. From the earthquake ruins of Bam in Iran to the impact of war on the sites in Congo. The devastation caused by the Taliban in Afghanistan and the increasing pressure from construction work in areas such as Dresden Elbe Valley in Germany and Kathmandu Valley in Nepal are highlighted. A detailed picture of each site is given with text, timelines, maps and inspiring images. One of the aims of creating World Heritage Sites is to protect sites from ending up as just entries in history books. Despite all the risks to the sites there are still many success stories. A selectio