Our Built World

Brilliantly curated by an expert in preservation architecture, this immersive journey layers rich science and enthralling history to showcase ten architectural wonders built along the Silk Road.

Fans of David Macaulay and readers of all ages intrigued by engineering and architecture—past and present—will clamor for this innovative tour of ten magnificent structures along the storied Silk Road. Poised at the intersection of history, science, and narrative, impeccably researched, and packed with sweeping illustrations, maps, and diagrams, the book details how and when these phenomenal buildings were raised as well as modern efforts to preserve them. Between these pages, you’ll relax inside a Turkish bath in Istanbul, study the sky from a bustling observatory in Samarkand, dine with the shah in his lush pavilion in Isfahan, and marvel at the Maijishan Grottoes, a series of nearly two hundred caves carved by hand into a cliff. Featuring intricate, jewel-bright art and ample end matter—including a timeline, a glossary, an author’s note, and resources for further reading—Our Built World is a treasury of insight into how we build connection, to each other and to the past, and an eloquent plea to preserve cultural wealth for future generations.

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