Illustrated Sports Encyclopedia

The ultimate guide to more than 100 top sports from around the world, from basketball to blade running.

Are you a team player? Do you have a steady aim? Maybe you are super fast or strong? Whatever your size or skill, there is a sport out there for you. 

The Illustrated Sports Encyclopedia is the ultimate illustrated guide to the diverse world of sport, from the best known ball-sports, athletics, and water sports to the most obscure racket sports and races (anyone for a game of pickleball?). The book showcases different sports by grouping them into categories including team sports, target sports, winter sports, wheels and motors, horse sports, and extreme sports.

This illustrated guide to sports for kids offers: 

- A dynamic visual design and clear language, explaining all the sports essentials to understand and enjoy the featured sports. 
- A core overview to explain each sport through "aim of the game" boxes, and essential equipment.
- Clear, intuitive categories that divide the sports, allowing kids to expand their understanding and compare similar sports they are interested in.
- Special features to tell the story of the Olympics and Paralympics, focusing on the history, aims, and spirit of the Games.

The Illustrated Sports Encyclopedia is a must-have title for all young sports enthusiasts, particularly in the run up to the 2024 Paris Olympics. A special section on the Olympic and Paralympic Games looks at their history, from the early Greek games right up to the present day, with Summer and Winter Olympic sports clearly identified and explained.

Dynamic photography brings the sports to life, and complements the clear explanations and artworks that describe the rules, equipment, competitions, and common terms.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs