National Parks at Night

Acclaimed for his awe-inspiring images of the night sky, National Geographic photographer Babak Tafreshi here collects the best of those taken in the U.S. national parks—breathtaking interactions of stars and sky with stunning landscapes.

The most spectacular moments in America’s national parks happen in the dark of night, when few are even looking—and now, in this glorious coffee table book, National Geographic photographer and Explorer in Residence Babak Tafreshi shares those awesome views with us.

Witness the dramatic silhouettes of Yosemite’s El Capitan and Half Dome set against the full sweep of the Milky Way. The brilliant sparkle of fireflies in a midnight forest in the Great Smoky Mountains. Airglow, a rare atmospheric phenomenon, topping the Grand Tetons. A full moon rising in a dusky sunset above the snow-scattered slopes of Utah’s Bryce Canyon. With patience and unique technical expertise, as well as an artist’s eye for beauty, Tafreshi shares these one-of-a-kind moments in this breathtaking book.

This generous large-format volume contains some 200 brilliant images of more than 40 national parks and historic monuments. Eight expansive panoramics fold out three pages wide, for an even more expansive view. Special sections on global dark sky conservation and constellations seen in the book add a practical dimension.

Page after page brings wonder and delight in this one-of-a-kind collection of the nation’s most beautiful natural scenery, set against the grandeur of the starry skies.

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