Book excerpt: In Great World Wonders, travel enthusiast and writer Michael Turtle offers a curated guide to the best UNESCO World Heritage sites around the globe, each with a fascinating tale and insight into our shared humanity. Opulent palaces let us peek into the lives of the rich and famous, while the centers of great empires show the evolution of civilizations. There's the surprising beauty in industrial sites from the past century, and the dazzling buildings that were constructed in the name of love. And through it all is the inescapable influence of human behavior, with many of the World Heritage Sites directly linked to important historical events and people. From icons like the Egyptian Pyramids and the Taj Mahal, to undiscovered gems like gold mines and ancient rock paintings, Great World Wonders is a beautiful collection and exploration of the best (and sometimes worst) of history. Featuring stunning photography, this selection of the most interesting World Heritage Sites is not just a source of travel inspiration, it's an incredible journey through the amazing story of our world.