Here’s an interesting book and accompanying TV show out of the United Kingdom that I haven’t heard about until now.
Around the World in 80 Treasures first came out in early 2005,
followed by a ten episode series which aired in the spring on BBC2. Author and TV personality
Dan Cruickshank visited
about 40 countries over 5 months in search of the
best landmarks of human achievement. From Machu Picchu to Petra to the Alhambra, he visits eighty world gems, sharing
history and personal perspective about each place and the ancient civilization responsible for its existence. The
paperback version of the book was released in October, although only in the UK as far as I can tell.