The capital of the United Kingdom has grown from a sleepy riverside village to, at one point, the most important city in the world, to its place today as a culturally diverse hub of business, government, and tourism. Inside, see how London blends the magic and mystery of the old with its high-tech present and future. The sounds of Big Ben will guide you as you visit this important city. MAJOR WORLD CITIES travels the globe to bring readers the up-close...

Is any city as beloved as this? People who live here revel in a culture that is both ancient and yet changes with each wave of new arrivals. People who dont live here have made it one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, with beautiful buildings, romantic vistas, and a one-of-a-kind sense of place. Inside, read how Paris has changed over the centuries, how the city shapes modern France and Europe, and how visitors make their Parisian...

Germany's heart has been split time and again, always to rebound to recover its long-held beauty and dynamic spirit. Berlin has been rocked by war in the past, but in today's world, it is one of the centers of growth and progress in Europe. Inside, see how Berlins past, present, and future combine with a progressive people to put the city among the worlds most important once again. MAJOR WORLD CITIES travels the globe to bring readers the up-close...

Nearly 12 million people call the capital of China home but more than a billion depend on it for governance, guidance, and financial support. Inside, find out how this enormous city runs, meet the people who make it work, and see how its ancient past has connectedor collidedwith its fast-paced present. Few countries are as defined by their capital as Beijing "speaks" for China. MAJOR WORLD CITIES travels the globe to bring readers the up-close story...