Focus on the institution that coloured our view of the world

The big picture

A selection of photographs from The National Geographic Society - 100 Years of Adventure and Discovery, an updated centennial history of the society by CDB Bryan. Top: Toes of the world's largest sitting Buddha, carved out of cliff face overlooking the convergence of three rivers at Leshan, China, in the hope that it would protect boatmen from the treacherous currents.

Left: An Afghani girl at a refugee camp in Pakistan where she fled in 1985 seeking shelter from the fighting in her homeland.

Right: A 1928 autochrome of a Tibetan dancer playing the role of the King of Hell.

The full-colour illustrated book, published by Abrams, is priced at pounds 34.95, and will be available in the shops this month.