Lush photos of the country’s most popular National Park, plus a little light reading.

The second in a series of four photo-driven National Park coffee table books, Great Smoky Mountains National Park presents a fascinating look at the park and its natural splendors, a sprinkling of the author’s personal experiences, and enough images and stories to inspire readers to go there themselves. A little light guidebook text gives the books an extra measure of value.

The book is mainly photographic and includes landscape, animals, hikes, and places to stay. Written in Max’s engaging, light style. The opening essay will cover a brief history including some pop-culture appeal of the park. Other topics include landscape, animals, hiking, natural features, lodging and dining.