Natural History Books

Book SynopsisDazzling photographs combine with inspiring insights from international ocean icon Sylvia Earle and other notable ocean advocates, paying a poignant tribute to the beauty and magic of the ocean and shedding light on its abundant gifts to the planet.Trade Review"Whether you are new to understanding all the problems the oceans face, or you need an injection of joy and positivity about conservation, this book is a must-read." --Mother Nature Network

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Book SynopsisIllustrations of leaves, fruits and branches accompany text by conservation expert Steve Marsh that describes the features of 52 varieties of tree. Press-out sections enable you to reveal the outline of each shape and transform your book into a work of art. Table of ContentsPress-out illustrations of 52 trees from across the globe, each accompanied by approx. 250-300 words of descriptive text.

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Book SynopsisFor 150 million years, the skies didn't belong to birds--they belonged to the pterosaurs. These flying reptiles, which include the pterodactyls, shared the world with the nonavian dinosaurs until their extinction 65 million years ago. Some pterosaurs, such as the giant azhdarchids, were the largest flying animals of all time, with wingspans exceediTrade Review"A comprehensive introduction... Witton manages to make this an attractive book for the layperson and bring these flying fossils to life."--Natural History "Witton's new tribute to pterosaurs gives these fantastic fossil creatures a much-needed makeover in two crucial ways. Not only does the book bring the science of pterosaurs up to date--at long last following-up other classics such as David Unwin's The Pterosaurs and Peter Wellenhofer's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Pterosaurs--but Witton is a highly-skilled and imaginative artist who ably reconstructs the bones of the animals and brings them back to life in startling poses. Witton's pterosaurs are fantastical creatures deserving their own time in the spotlight... Witton's combination of style and substance makes Pterosaurs a true treasure and an absolute must for anyone curious about the extinct flyers."--Brian Switek, National Geographic.com "This really is the ultimate guide to pterosaurs, providing us with a richer view of pterosaur diversity and behaviour than allowed in the two previous great volumes on the group (Wellnhofer 1991, Unwin 2005) and containing a substantial amount of review and analysis of pterosaur ecology and functional morphology."--Darren Naish, Scientific American "A solid review of the whole of the Pterosauria that'll be genuinely useful for researchers for many years. I'm sure I'll be typing 'Witton, (2013) stated ...' quite a lot in the future and that, if anything, should be a good measure of how I rate this as a scientific text. Now go buy a copy and read it, it really is very good."--Dave Hone, Pterosaur.Net "[Witton] presents the uncertainties of science but never shies away from making his opinion clear. [He] respects the complexities [of scientific writing] without allowing them to clump up the text... I can wholeheartedly recommend the book already."--David Mass, DRIP "Pterosaurs would make an excellent addition to any reference collection and especially that of an advanced (adult or young adult) lay-reader."--Greg Leitich Smith, GSL Blog "I can tell you that it is not only a fascinating bit of text, its illustrations will leave you gaping in awestruck amazement."--John E. Riutta, Well-read Naturalist "[Witton] combines his deep knowledge of the subject as a palaeontologist at the University of Portsmouth (U.K.) with his skills as an artist, and he has a flair for informal but accurate writing. His 292-page book is the most comprehensive and authoritative book to come along since Peter Wellnhofer's classic Illustrated Encyclopedia of Pterosaurs back in 1991."--James Gurney, artist and author of the Dinotopia book series "The joy of Pterosaurs is how it brings long extinct animals to life."--Jeff Hecht, New Scientist "Learn all about flying reptiles in this artfully illustrated overview of pterosaur research."--Science News "Highly recommended."--EverythingDinosaur.com "Once dragons flew through Mesozoic skies! They were pterosaurs, and Witton offers a rich and extensive account of what science knows about these extinct creatures... For those who want an introduction to flying reptiles or the craft of scientific research, this title is a great choice."--Eileen H. Kramer, Library Journal "Beautifully laid out, clearly written, loaded with handsome illustrations, Witton's book invites you to dip in for delicious tidbits or hunker down for the equivalent of a superb lecture series."--Wilson's Bookmarks, Christianity Today "This is a book of impeccable scholarship, but it is also very readable for the non-scholar and amateur pterosaurophile... A wonderful book!"--Rabbi Dr Charles H Middleburgh, Middleburgh Blog "Though the writing style clearly targets the book to nonexperts, it does not dilute its realized value for professional paleontologists or teachers of paleontology. This is a very skillful presentation: a brief introductory paragraph or two leads quickly into an advanced discussion. The illustrations are excellent, including nice reconstructions by the author and very high-quality photographic reproductions of original key fossils. Overall, this is a very well-done book that belongs in any library with a vertebrate paleontology collection."--Choice "Although the text is mostly technical, directed at an informed audience, it is written with a humorous slant. Everyone will get something out of reading this book... This is a fantastic book!"--Randy Lauff, Canadian Field Naturalist "Witton's Pterosaurs is a remarkable visual feast, packed full of novel art as well as excellent photographs that the author clearly worked hard to obtain. There are, in fact, illustrations of some sort on virtually every single page--you will never get bored of looking at this book... If you like or are even vaguely interested in pterosaurs, you really need this book."--Darren Naish, Historical BiologyTable of Contentsix Preface xi Acknowledgments 1.Leathery-Winged Harpies 1 2.Understanding the Flying Reptiles 4 3.Pterosaur Beginnings 12 4.The Pterosaur Skeleton 23 5.Soft Bits 39 6.Flying Reptiles 56 7.Down from the Skies 64 8.The Private Lives of Pterosaurs 74 9.The Diversity of Pterosaurs 90 10.Early Pterosaurs and Dimorphodontidae 95 11.Anurognathidae 104 12."Campylognathoidids" 113 13.Rhamphorhynchidae 123 14.Wukongopteridae 135 15.Istiodactylidae 143 16.Ornithocheiridae 152 17.Boreopteridae 164 18.Pteranodontia 170 19.Ctenochasmatoidea 183 20.Dsungaripteroidea 201 21.Lonchodectidae 211 22.Tapejaridae 216 23.Chaoyangopteridae 228 24.Thalassodromidae 234 25.Azhdarchidae 244 26.The Rise and Fall of the Pterosaur Empire 259 References 265 Index 283

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"A pleasure to browse. . . . Compact but informative species accounts and the colourful photos are a constant delight."---Matthew Merritt, Bird Watching Magazine"Wildlife of Ecuador is the all-in-one nature guide for the generalist nature traveler. . . . Photographs are large, clear, and colorful, and often delightful."---Donna Lynn Schulman, 10,000 Birds"The guide is a one-stop treasure trove of information. . . . A must for those visiting or conducting research in Ecuador."---Howard O. Clark, Jr., Sonoran Herpetologist"Sections of the book focus on birds (223 species), mammals (70), reptiles (40) and amphibians (37). This serves to close a gap I personally have always found frustrating as I travel, for often books on mammals and herps don’t even exist for many regions and I drool every time I find one." * North Durham Nature Newsletter *Table of ContentsPreface 7 Acknowledgments 9 Plan of the Book 10 Biogeography of Ecuador 12 Diversity and Its Causes 12 The Andes 13 The Equator 14 Marine Currents 15 Habitats and Bioregions 17 Species Accounts Amphibians 19 Reptiles 42 Birds 72 Mammals 218 Bibliography and References 270 Appendix: Map of Main Roads and National Protected Areas of Ecuador 272 List of Photographers 274 Index of Common Names 275 Index of Scientific Names 281

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Book SynopsisLocated where the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea converge, the Florida Keys are distinctive for their rich and varied marine fauna. The Keys are home to nearly sixty taxonomic families of bivalves such as clams and mussels - roughly half the world's bivalve family diversity. This volume provides a treatment of these bivalves.Trade Review"This handsome volume, the first of a projected three-volume work on the mollusks of the Florida Keys, sets an admirable precedent. Mikkelsen and Rudiger have probably created the best illustrated and most detailed of any marine identification work so far published...[T]his is an important reference work that belongs in the library of any institution that offers courses in marine biology."--J.C. Briggs, Choice "All marine bivalve enthusiasts should purchase this book, regardless of their home port. The anatomical drawings, illustrated glossary and good photographs will be useful worldwide. In addition, I would strongly recommend this book to all malacologists and shell collectors. It just might entice them to take the plunge into the exciting, if not tumultuous, world of bivalve taxonomy."--Paul Valentich-Scott, The FestivusTable of ContentsPreface Introduction 1 Florida Keys 1 Natural History 1 Need for Protection 2 Florida Keys Bivalves 3 Habitats 3 History of Exploration and the Florida Keys Molluscan Diversity Project 5 Using This Book 6 Bivalve Morphology 11 Recent Bivalve Families of the World 18 The Florida Keys Bivalves 24 Nuculidae 24 Solemyidae 30 Manzanellidae 35 Nuculanidae 38 Yoldiidae 44 Arcidae 48 Noetiidae 58 Glycymerididae 62 Limopsidae 68 Philobryidae 74 Mytilidae 78 Pteriidae 92 Isognomonidae 98 Malleidae 104 Ostreidae 108 Gryphaeidae 114 Pinnidae 120 Limidae 126 Pectinidae 134 Propeamussiidae 148 Spondylidae 154 Plicatulidae 158 Anomiidae 162 Crassatellidae 166 Astartidae 172 Carditidae 176 Condylocardiidae 182 Pandoridae 186 Lyonsiidae 192 Periplomatidae 196 Spheniopsidae 200 Thraciidae 204 Verticordiidae 208 Poromyidae 214 Cuspidariidae 220 Lucinidae 228 Ungulinidae 240 Thyasiridae 246 Chamidae 250 Lasaeidae 258 Hiatellidae 264 Gastrochaenidae 268 Trapezidae 274 Sportellidae 279 Corbiculidae 284 Cardiidae 288 Veneridae 300 Tellinidae 322 Donacidae 340 Psammobiidae 344 Semelidae 350 Solecurtidae 358 Pharidae 364 Mactridae 368 Dreissenidae 374 Myidae 378 Corbulidae 382 Pholadidae 388 Teredinidae 396 Acknowledgments 409 A Note About Shell Collecting 411 A Note on Species Names Introduced by d'Orbigny 413 Illustrated Glossary of Bivalve Terms 415 General Literature Cited and Suggested Reading 449 Image Data and Credits 455 Index 481

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Book SynopsisA moving and adventure-filled tale of one woman’s quest for the truth about endangered Asian elephants and their evolving relationship with humans. Delving deep into an intricate web of unlikely heroes, power struggles, and living legends, Elephants in the Hourglass takes readers on an extraordinary journey of discovery. In her extraordinary narrative debut, Kim Frank blends personal narrative, vivid descriptions, and meticulous research as she illuminates the ways we seek to survive on our rapidly changing planet. Like Jane Goodall or Dian Fossey before her, Kim is a female adventurer who found her life completely changed as she was drawn deeper and deeper into the plight of a remarkable animal. For Kim, once she learned about the unique plight of the elephants in North India, she was unable to rest until she had learned more. This was a world totally unknown to her. Up until that point, she was an ordinary middle-class mom. After a fraugh

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Book SynopsisA New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Boston Globe and Indie Bestseller! Playful spaniels completely covered with snow-There''s no such thing as ''bad'' weather. Two happy dogs sleeping, one on top of the other- Sometimes you need a pillow. Sometimes you are the pillow. The bulldog who''s headfirst in her bowl-Every meal is THE BEST MEAL EVER. Cynthia L. Copeland has a gift for discovering those sorts of simple, timeless lessons. She did it when her children were younger with Really Important Stuff My Kids Have Taught Me. Now she distils all-new wisdom from her lifelong love of dogs. Really Important Stuff My Dog Has Taught Me is tender, funny, warm, and utterly inspiring. Pairing an irresistible photograph with just the right sentiment, every page delivers a life lesson that appeals as much to our hearts as our minds. It reminds us again and again of what''s important, like love: Be there when others need you. Compassion: Even the smallest act of kindness matters. Perseverance: Keep going until you find your way home. A healthy sense of self: Make it squeak until someone pays attention. Living in the present moment: Scratch where it itches, when it itches. And that happiness is a choice: Leap higher than you have to.Trade Review“Really Important Stuff My Dog Has Taught Me is tender, funny, warm, and utterly inspiring. Pairing an irresistible photograph with just the right sentiment, every page delivers a life lesson that appeals as much to our hearts as our minds.” - Costal Canine Magazine“Really Important Stuff My Dog Has Taught Me is tender, funny, warm, and utterly inspiring. Pairing an irresistible photograph with just the right sentiment, every page delivers a life lesson that appeals as much to our hearts as our minds.” - Costal Canine Magazine

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Book SynopsisChris Yates, one of Britain's most insightful and lyrical writers, raises his gaze from his beloved rivers and ponds and takes us on a mesmerizing tour of the British countryside.Last November, the sudden appearance of a hundred wintering ravens in a wood in Cranborne Chase, where I have lived for twenty-five years without seeing more than a few solitary specimens, reminded me that there is always something ready to flame up again in the landscape, just when it seemed the fire had gone out.In Nightwalk we accompany Chris Yates on the most magical of journeys into the very heart of the British countryside. His acute observation of the natural world and ability to transcend it exquisitely sets Chris apart from his contemporaries.Time slows down for a deeper intimacy with nature, and through Chris's writing we hear every rustle of a leaf, every call of a bird. He widens the power of our imagination, heightening our senses and revealing beauty in the smallest details.Trade Review‘Wonderful stuff’Independent on Sunday ‘There can be few who have explained so elegantly both the zen-like trance of the serious fisherman and the all-too-active comedy of preparation, expedition and return’Guardian ‘Chris Yates is a god’Condé Nast Traveller ‘A wonderfully elegiac book’Big Issue ‘lyrical and haunting…Yates’ narrative is presented as an account of a midsummer countryside walk…Its beauty lies in its tenderness about the world and the author’s personal responses to what he hears, feels and smells…It stayed with me a long time after I finished.’ Rachel Joyce, The Times ‘This book is the result of following a whim to its natural conclusion. It’s about time and losing track of it. Chris Yates doesn’t really want his wanderings to end, and neither will you. It’s a wonderful book, and I’m happy to recommend it without qualification.’ Marcus Berkmann, Daily Mail ‘there is no doubt about the elegance and precision of Yates’ language, or his ability to conjure up an atmosphere… perhaps this is the real beauty of Nightwalk, and the true value of Yates’ gift as a writer: that it gives back the night to us, offers up a sense of freedom in the place of anxiety, reminds us of the silence in the midst of its bustling life, and soothes our atavistic fear of the dark while never quite permitting us to be complacent.’ EarthLines ‘Chris’s existing and extensive fan-base, the anglers, will find a freedom in Nightwalk…I believe this is [his] finest work to date…What is certain, though, is that Nightwalk will delight for many, many years to come.’ Kevin Parr, Caught By the River ‘In Yates’s darkest England, four delightful decades of meandering nostalgia, curiosity and hedonism meet creatures of the night in the finest tradition of country writing.’ BBC Wildlife

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Book SynopsisHarperCollins is proud to present its new range of best-loved, essential classics.

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Book SynopsisA letter is handed to you. In broken English, it tells you that you must now vacate your farm; that this is no longer your home, for it now belongs to the crowd on your doorstep. Then the drums begin to beat.'As the land invasions gather pace, the Retzlaffs begin an epic journey across Zimbabwe, facing eviction after eviction, trying to save the group of animals with whom they feel a deep and enduring bond the horses.When their neighbours flee to New Zealand, the Retzlaffs promise to look after their horses, and making similar promises to other farmers along their journey, not knowing whether they will be able to feed or save them, they amass an astonishing herd of over 300 animals. But the final journey to freedom will be arduous, and they can take only 104 horses.Each with a different personality and story, it is not just the family who rescue the horses, but the horses who rescue the family. Grey, the silver gelding: the leader. Brutus, the untamed colt. Princess, the temperamentalTrade Review‘The dramatic narrative of their dangerous journey … gives this epic its nail-biting edge. The horses, each with its own character, are the stars’ The Times ‘Brutally honest and often grisly, One Hundred and Four Horses […] remains a powerful story of loss, desperation and, above all, hope. More than just a memoir, […] the story is gripping, moving and disturbing all at once.’ Horse and Hound

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Book SynopsisWhat would happen if you got on a bike in central London and didn't stop riding until you hit the Welsh coast? Steve Silk, the best-selling author of The Great North Road, provides the answer over eight days, 300 miles and rather a lot of hills. Enriched with history, Go West is a must for anyone who has ever dreamed of a cycling adventure.

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Book SynopsisOnce common across most of the country, beavers were hunted to extinction in the sixteenth century, but have gradually been returning to Scottish waters. In this deeply personal account, Argaty's Tom Bowser tells of his attempts to save these incredible animals, and the gains that beavers ultimately brought to his family farm.

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Book SynopsisA guide to the lichens of North America, presenting colour photographs, descriptions, distribution maps and keys for identification. It focuses on 805 foliose, fruticose and crustose lichens and covers another 700 species in the keys or notes. English names are provided for most species.Trade Review"Nothing comparable with this gorgeously illustrated work exists. . . . This spectacular tome will serve as standard in the worldwide field of lichenology for the next two centuries, or until the final demise of all books. . . . [A] beautiful book. . . . A gift of world-class scholarship. . . . At its current artificially low price, all libraries, private and public, with even a remote interest in natural history, should obtain it now."—Times Higher Education Supplement"A fascinating journey into the Lilliputian world of [lichens]. . . . Photographs by Stephen Sharnoff and Sylvia Duran Sharnoff capture the distinctive forms, brilliant colors or delicate hues of 804 species (out of 1050 discussed in the book). The Sharnoffs and Irwin M. Brodo have created a stunning guide for nature lovers."—Wall Street Journal (Gift Guide)"A fascinating journey into the Lilliputian world of [lichens] . . . a stunning guide for nature lovers."—Wall Street Journal, Gift Guide"Impressive. . . . The photographs in this book are of superb quality, both scientifically and aesthetically. Virtually, each of the photographs is unique and could be framed as a separate masterpiece in a gallery. . . . This book is a source of inspiration for those who have already got or are likely to get infected by lichen fever. . . . A refreshing book on lichens for a broad circle of readers."—International Lichenological Newsletter"Of value to professionals and amateurs alike, this book is certain to be a classic reference for decades to come."—Library Journal (starred review)"The publication of this wonderful new book and its numerous color photographs is indeed a major milestone in North American natural history. Although its size and its numerous color reproduction would certainly make it a suitable ’coffee table’ book, it is also much more than that. . . . The authors’ stated goal, which is to provide a full-color guide to North American lichens that is accessible to the novice but useful as well for experienced lichenologists, is admirably achieved. . . . Through their dedication and perseverance over a fifteen year period, the authors of this marvelous new book have succeeded in making another quantum leap improvement over the previously available North American guides, and , if anything can, this book should help to stimulate a lichenological renaissance in North America."—Theodore L. Esslinger, Mycotaxon"Mother-of-all lichen books. . . . it deserves use as a botanical and taxonomic resource on lichens. . . . 924 numbered plus 15 unnumbered color photos by nature photographers Sharnoffs that are stunning and exquisite. . . . [an] incredible project and touchstone book."—Taxon"[I]ncludes detailed entries on [over] 800 . . . lichens; essays on [their] biology, structure, uses, and ecological significance . . . hundreds of color photographs."—Natural History"This tome includes detailed entries on more than 800 foliose, fruticose, and crustose lichens; essays on the biology, structure, uses, and ecological significance of these plants; and hundreds of color photographs."—Natural HistoryWinner of the New England Book Show, in the category of Reference books, sponsored by the Bookbuilders of BostonWinner of the 2002 Henry Allan Gleason Award given by The New York Botanical GardenWinner of the 2002 Council on Botanical & Horticultural Libraries AwardWinner of the 2002 National Outdoor Book Award for Nature GuidebooksWinner of the 2001 R. R. Hawkins Award for the Outstanding Professional Reference or Scholarly Work given by the Association of American Publishers"Lichens of North America isone of the great natural history books of this or any age—a work in which art and science are perfectly united in tribute to one of the most beautiful, important, and least described parts of nature."—David Ehrenfeld, Rutgers University"This is a book to love. It will open a whole new world for naturalists, professional and amateur, to explore and enjoy."—E. O. Wilson"A long-sought triumph, gorgeously illustrated, accurate, accessible, and comprehensive."—Lynn Margulis, University of Massachusetts"A superb and indispensable book for anyone truly interested in the biodiversity of North America."—Peter Crane, director of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew"This volume is the twenty-first-century lichen equivalent of Audubon’s Birds of America."—Thomas E. Lovejoy, Smithsonian Institution

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Book SynopsisMichael J. Benton is Professor of Vertebrate Palaeontology and head of the world-leading Palaeobiology Research Group at the University of Bristol. He has written more than fifty books, including The Dinosaurs Rediscovered and When Life Nearly Died, both published by Thames & Hudson. Bob Nicholls is one of the leading palaeoartists in the world. His work is regularly used to illustrate the latest discoveries in both science journals and the general press.

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Book SynopsisDeep Country is Neil Ansell''s account of five years spent alone in a hillside cottage in Wales.''I lived alone in this cottage for five years, summer and winter, with no transport, no phone. This is the story of those five years, where I lived and how I lived. It is the story of what it means to live in a place so remote that you may not see another soul for weeks on end. And it is the story of the hidden places that I came to call my own, and the wild creatures that became my society.''Neil Ansell immerses himself in the rugged British landscape, exploring nature''s unspoilt wilderness and man''s relationship with it. Deep Country is a celebration of rural life and the perfect read for fans of Robert Macfarlane''s Landmarks, Helen Macdonald''s H is for Hawk orJames Rebanks'' A Shepherd''s Life.''A beautiful, translucent portrayal of mid-Wales'' Jay Griffiths''Touching. Through Ansell''s charming and thoroughly

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Book SynopsisThis self-contained astrophysics textbook for advanced undergraduates explores how stars form, what happens to them as they age, and what becomes of them when they die. Students can investigate the physical processes sustaining the energy output of stars during each stage of their evolution and which drive the progression from one stage to the next, and examine the relationship between different stages of stellar evolution and the production of the chemical elements. The textbook contains a wealth of worked examples and exercises with full solutions. Summaries, key facts and equations are clearly identified, and there are full colour illustrations throughout. Drawing on decades of experience in supported learning and independent study, this textbook is an ideal bridging text for astrophysics and physics majors looking to move on from the introductory texts. Accompanying resources to this textbook are available at: http://www.cambridge.org/features/astrophysics.Trade Review'Stellar Evolution and Nucleosynthesis provides a fine, insightful, and remarkably complete introduction to modern astrophysics that is both well written and illustrated. A logical flow, attention to detail, worked examples, and end-of-chapter summaries are especially good in creating an effective learning environment.' Jim Kaler, Professor Emeritus of Astronomy, University of Illinois'This book tackles the complex life-cycles of stars with rigour and economy, putting the astronomy on a firm physical basis. A clear layout and extensive worked problem set make this an ideal starting point for physics students learning about stellar structure and evolution.' Graham Woan, University of Glasgow'… sets a high standard for what I hope will be a series of books for distance learners in the UK and elsewhere pursuing a passion for astronomy.' The Observatory'… an excellently presented pedagogic work written for self-study under the auspices of The Open University … Both authors have wide-ranging experience with OU as offering high-quality instruction in a remote-learning environment … There is a beauty in its subject that is sensitively brought out by the careful preparation, admirable composition and meticulous presentation of its subject matter that reflects most commendably upon the authors and publishers alike. … I can only express my enthusiasm and admiration for a splendid work - on a glorious, enthralling subject.' Contemporary PhysicsTable of Contents1. Main sequence stars; 2. Gravitational contraction; 3. Nuclear fusion; 4. From main-sequence to giant branch; 5. Helium-burning stars; 6. Late stages of stellar evolution; 7. Supernovae, neutron stars and black holes; 8. Star formation; Index.

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Book SynopsisOriginally bred to hunt in packs, beagles today are more often raised as companion dogs known for their courage, stamina, intelligence, sense of fun, and easy-to-care-for coats. In 2005, they were America's fifth most popular breed, with more than 42,000 puppies registered by the American Kennel Club.Table of ContentsIntroduction 1 Part I: Getting to Know Beagles 7 Chapter 1: Beagles and You: Made for Each Other? 9 Chapter 2: The Incredible, Lovable Beagle 21 Chapter 3: Gonna Find Me a Beagle 33 Chapter 4: Choosing Your Beagle Soul Mate 47 Part II: Starting Life with Your Beagle 59 Chapter 5: Preparing for Your Beagle’s Arrival 61 Chapter 6: Welcoming Your Beagle Home 79 Chapter 7: Beginning a Beautiful Friendship 91 Part III: Caring for Your Beagle 105 Chapter 8: Feeding Your Beagle 107 Chapter 9: Getting Physical: Exercising Your Beagle 121 Chapter 10: Sprucing Up Your Beagle 131 Chapter 11: Managing Your Beagle’s Day-to-Day Health 147 Chapter 12: Dealing with Health Issues 163 Chapter 13: Traveling (or Not) with Your Beagle 179 Part IV: Training Your Beagle 191 Chapter 14: Housetraining Your Beagle 193 Chapter 15: Schooling Your Beagle 207 Chapter 16: Rehabbing the Delinquent Beagle 223 Part V: The Part of Tens 235 Chapter 17: Ten Ways to Keep Your Beagle Healthy and Happy 237 Chapter 18: Ten Mistakes You Don’t Need to Make with Your Beagle 243 Chapter 19: Ten Unique Beagle Occupations and Activities 249 Appendix: Wanna Know More? Additional Resources 253 Index 257

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Book SynopsisJames Herriot grew up in Glasgow and qualified as a veterinary surgeon at Glasgow Veterinary College. Shortly afterwards he took up a position as an assistant in a North Yorkshire practice where he remained, with the exception of his wartime service in the RAF, until his death in 1995. He wrote many books about Yorkshire country life, including some for children, but he is best known for his memoirs, beginning with If Only They Could Talk. The books were televised in the enormously popular series All Creatures Great and Small.Trade ReviewHe can tell a good story against himself, and his pleasure in the beauty of the countryside in which he works is infectious. * The Daily Telegraph *Full of warmth, wisdom and wit. * The Field *It is a pleasure to be in James Herriot's company. * Observer *

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Book SynopsisA New York Times bestseller: "A passionate and convincing case for the sophistication of nonhuman minds." —Alison Gopnik, The AtlanticTrade Review"The book is not only full of information and thought-provoking, it’s also a lot of fun to read." -- Nancy Szokan - Washington Post"Astonishing…has the makings of a classic—and is one fascinating read." -- People"Walks us through research revealing what a wide range of animal species are actually capable of…[I]t all deals a pretty fierce wallop to our sense of specialness." -- Jon Mooallem - New York Times Book Review"A thoughtful and easy read, packed with information stemming from detailed empirical research, and one of de Waal’s most comparative works that goes well beyond the world of nonhuman primates with whom he’s most familiar." -- Marc Bekoff - Psychology Today"A beautifully written and delightfully conceived popular science book, written by an eminent researcher who has dedicated his career to making the general public aware of just how smart animals are." -- Nicola Clayton - Science"If you are at all interested in what it is to be an animal, human or otherwise, you should read this book." -- The Guardian"This is a remarkable book by a remarkable scientist. Drawing on a growing body of research including his own, de Waal shows that animals, from elephants and chimpanzees to the lowly invertebrates, are not only smarter than we thought, but also engaged in forms of thought we have only begun to understand." -- Edward O. Wilson, University Professor Emeritus, Harvard University"Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are? will completely change your perceptions of the abilities of animals. This book takes the reader on a fascinating journey of discovery into the world of animal problem-solving." -- Temple Grandin, author of Animals in Translation and Animals Make Us Human"So, are we ‘smart enough to know how smart animals are’? The question will occur to you many times as you read Frans de Waal’s remarkable distillations of science in this astonishingly broad-spectrum book. I guarantee one thing: readers come away a lot smarter. As this book shows, we are here on Planet Earth with plenty of intelligent company." -- Carl Safina, author of Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel

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Book SynopsisFor generations, the ground beneath the feet of our ancestors seemed solid and unchanging. Around 30 years ago, two things happened that were to revolutionize the understanding of our home planet. First, geologists realized that the continents themselves were drifting across the surface of the globe and that oceans were being created and destroyed. Secondly, pictures of the entire planet were returned from space. As the astronomer Fred Hoyle had predicted, this ''let loose an idea as powerful as any in history''. Suddenly, the Earth began to be viewed as a single entity; a dynamic, interacting whole, controlled by complex processes we scarcely understood. It began to seem less solid. As one astronaut put it, ''a blue jewel on black velvet; small, fragile and touchingly alone''. Geologists at last were able to see the whole as well as the detail; the wood as well as the trees. This book brings their account up to date with the latest understanding of the processes that govern our planet. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Table of Contents1. Dynamic Planet ; 2. Deep Time ; 3. Deep Earth ; 4. Under the Sea ; 5. Drifting Continents ; 6. Volcanoes ; 7. When the Ground Shakes ; Epilogue

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Book SynopsisOf the world's dogs, less than two hundred million are pets, living with humans who provide food, shelter, squeaky toys, and fashionable sweaters. But roaming the planet are four times as many dogs who are their own mastersneighborhood dogs, dump dogs, mountain dogs. They are dogs, not companions, and these dogs, like pigeons or squirrels, are highly adapted scavengers who have evolved to fit particular niches in the vicinity of humans. In What Is a Dog? experts on dog behavior Raymond and Lorna Coppinger present an eye-opening analysis of the evolution and adaptations of these unleashed dogs and what they can reveal about the species as a whole. Exploring the natural history of these animals, the Coppingers explain how the village dogs of Vietnam, India, Africa, and Mexico are strikingly similar. These feral dogs, argue the Coppingers, are in fact the truly archetypal dogs, nearly uniform in size and shape and incredibly self-sufficient. Drawing on nearly five decades of research, they show how dogs actually domesticated themselves in order to become such efficient scavengers of human refuse. The Coppingers also examine the behavioral characteristics that enable dogs to live successfully and to reproduce, unconstrained by humans, in environments that we ordinarily do not think of as dog friendly. Providing a fascinating exploration of what it actually meansgenetically and behaviorallyto be a dog, What Is a Dog? will undoubtedly change the way any beagle or bulldog owner will reflect on their four-legged friend.

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Book SynopsisHow well do we really know dogs? People may enjoy thinking about them as man's best friend, but what actually drives the things they do? What is going on in their fur-covered heads as they look at us with their big, expressive eyes? Raymond Coppinger and Mark Feinstein know something about these questions, and with How Dogs Work, they're ready to share; this is their guide to understanding your dog and its behavior. Approaching dogs as a biological species rather than just as pets, Coppinger and Feinstein accessibly synthesize decades of research and field experiments to explain the evolutionary foundations behind dog behaviors. They examine the central importance of the shape of dogs: how their physical body (including the genes and the brain) affects behavior, how shape interacts with the environment as animals grow, and how all of this has developed over time. Shape, they tell us, is what makes a champion sled dog or a Border collie that can successfully herd sheep. Other chapters in How Dogs Work explore such mysteries as: why dogs play; whether dogs have minds, and if so what kinds of things they might know; why dogs bark; how dogs feed and forage; and the influence of the early relationship between mother and pup. Going far beyond the cozy lap dog, Coppinger and Feinstein are equally fascinated by what we can learn from the adaptations of dogs, wolves, coyotes, jackals, dingoes, and even pumas in the wild, as well as the behavior of working animals like guarding and herding dogs. We cherish dogs as family members and deeply value our lengthy companionship with them. But, isn't it time we knew more about who Fido and Trixie really are? How Dogs Work will provide some keys to unlocking the origins of many of our dogs' most common, most puzzling, and most endearing behaviors.

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Book SynopsisBeginning with an introduction to soil ecosystems, this work reveals the unseen labors of underground organisms maintaining the rich fertility of the earth as they recycle nutrients between the living and mineral worlds. It introduces readers to an array of creatures: wolf spiders with glowing red eyes, snails with 120 rows of teeth, and more.Trade Review"Soil, for the layman, is typically out-of-sight, out-of-mind. Those who enjoy the beauty of nature rarely look down. James B. Nardi offers an engaging and informative view of the living creatures whose activities in the soil affect its creation, composition, and fertility. Like Alice in Wonderland, the reader of Life in the Soil is dropped into a fantastical world." - Cathy J. Maloney, editor, Chicagoland Gardening"

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Book SynopsisRoger Phillips is an award-winning photographer with a reputation spanning thirty years. He has consistently pioneered the use of colour photography for the reliable identification of natural history subjects, and has written numerous books dedicated to this purpose, including Roses and Herbs. Described as Mr Mushrooms because of his expertise in the field, Roger has written and presented two major six-part TV series on gardening (BBC & Channel 4). Famed for his ebullient personality and garish red glasses, he has become a well-recognized figure in the world of gardening.Trade ReviewRoger Phillips has written the best mushroom book I know: the sublime taxonomic accuracy of his descriptions and photographs, combined with an evangelical and infectious passion for the subject, will make an instant mycophile of anyone who picks it up. -- Hugh Fearnley-WhittingstallA masterpiece of identification. -- David BellamyTable of ContentsIntroduction - i: Introduction Index - ii: Visual Index Section - iii: Glossary Section - iv: BASIDIOMYCETES Chapter - 1: Mushrooms with Gills Chapter - 2: Mushrooms with Primitive Gills Chapter - 3: Mushrooms and Fungi with Pores Chapter - 4: Fungi with Spines Chapter - 5: Stomach Fungi Chapter - 6: Bird's Nest Fungi Chapter - 7: Stinkhorns Chapter - 8: Club and Spindle Fungi Chapter - 9: Coral Fungi Chapter - 10: Jelly Fungi Section - v: ASCOMYCETES Chapter - 11: Morels Chapter - 12: Saddle Fungi Chapter - 13: Cup Fungi Chapter - 14: Ear Fungi Chapter - 15: Club-shaped Fungi Chapter - 16: Finger & Disc Fungi Chapter - 17: Truffles Chapter - 18: Spots and Crusts Index - vi: Index

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Book SynopsisMonty Roberts is a real-life horse whisperer-an American original whose gentle Join-Up® training method reveals the depth of communication possible between man and animal. He can take a wild, high-strung horse who has never before been handled and persuade that horse to accept a bridle, saddle, and rider in thirty minutes. His powers may seem like magic, but his amazing “horse sense” is based on a lifetime of experience. In The Man Who Listens to Horses, Roberts reveals his unforgettable personal story and his exceptional insight into nonverbal communication, an understanding that applies to human relationships as well. He shows that between parent and child, employee and employer, abuser and abused, there are forms of communication far stronger than the spoken word that are accessible to all who will learn to listen. This new edition features engaging photographs, a chapter that traces Roberts’s amazing experience gentling with a mustang in the wild, and an Afterword about the remarkable impact this book has had on the world.

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Book SynopsisAn illustrated guide that simplifies identifying southern Africa''s common birds by their plumage color, featuring updated names and local language translations.Newman?s Birds by Colour offers a quick and easy way to identify southern Africa?s most common birds based on first impression. Now in its fourth edition, this handy illustrated guide includes photographs in addition to the illustrations, to further aid identification. It has been updated to reflect the latest name changes, and also includes bird names in several local languages. Birds are grouped in distinct sections according to the color of their plumage, as well as their size, making the book easy to navigate. An informative introduction provides practical tips for identifying birds, and includes information on bird anatomy and classification, and guidance on what you need to go birding.

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Book SynopsisThe African Baobab is a revised and expanded edition of a book originally published in 2007. In this absorbing and inspired account of one of the continent’s oldest botanical wonders, Rupert Watson explores the life and times of the majestic baobab, an ancient tree that has outlasted every plant and animal around it. The narrative effortlessly blends natural history and personal observation, while also drawing on extracts from the journals of early explorers. There are intriguing accounts of the baobab’s eccentric growth and reproductive habits, its present-day distribution, and its wide impact on everyday African life. Watson also takes a close look at the relationship between humans and baobabs, and the tree’s myriad uses over the ages, from shelters to medicinal and spiritual applications. This new edition is aimed at nature lovers, environmentalists, botanical enthusiasts, travellers and anyone intrigued by the wonders of plants and the natural world. Sales points: Uniquely African subject matter. Rich and compelling narrative by a master storyteller. Evocative, colourful photographs, including dozens of new images. Aligns with conservation zeitgeist.

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Book SynopsisAn exploration of the botanical and cultural history of the popular snowdrop.

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Book SynopsisEvery owner wants to do the best for their dog. This easy-to-follow guide to grooming and caring for your pet dog will help you to do just that, showing you how to achieve a professional-looking trim at home. Various breeds and styles are covered, as well as how to use equipment safely and correctly. The importance of preparation is explained, with guidance on de-matting, washing and drying correctly prior to cutting. A health check is included in the book to help readers identify and deal with problems early.

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Book SynopsisWinner, Hubert Herring Book Award, Pacific Coast Council on Latin American StudiesCandomblé, an African religious and healing tradition that spread to Brazil during the slave trade, relies heavily on the use of plants in its spiritual and medicinal practices. When its African adherents were forcibly transplanted to the New World, they faced the challenge not only of maintaining their culture and beliefs in the face of European domination but also of finding plants with similar properties to the ones they had used in Africa.This book traces the origin, diffusion, medicinal use, and meaning of Candomblé''s healing pharmacopoeia—the sacred leaves. Robert Voeks examines such topics as the biogeography of Africa and Brazil, the transference—and transformation—of Candomblé as its adherents encountered both native South American belief systems and European Christianity, and the African system of medicinal plant classification thatTrade Review...[A] creative contribution to Afro-Brazilian studies, ethnobotany, and environmental history.... Simply and engagingly written, it is both appropriate for introductory-level undergraduate courses and an important work for specialists on Afro-Brazilian religions. * Hispanic American Historical Review *Table of Contents Note on Orthography Preface 1. Introduction 2. The Bahian Landscape 3. Indians and Africans 4. Religion of the Orixás 5. Candomblé Medicine 6. Medicinal Plant Classification 7. The Candomblé Flora 8. African Religion in the Americas Appendix 1 Candomblé Species List Appendix 2 House Abô for Three Candomblé Terreiros Notes Glossary References Cited General Index Index of Scientific Names

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Book SynopsisImagine standing at the center of a Roman coliseum that is 20 miles across, with walls that soar 10 miles into the sky, towering walls with cascades of ice crystals falling along its brilliantly white surface. That''s what it''s like to stand in the eye of a hurricane. In Divine Wind, Kerry Emanuel, one of the world''s leading authorities on hurricanes, gives us an engaging account of these awe-inspiring meteorological events, revealing how hurricanes and typhoons have literally altered human history, thwarting military incursions and changing the course of explorations. Offering an account of the physics of the tropical atmosphere, the author explains how such benign climates give rise to the most powerful storms in the world and tells what modern science has learned about them. Interwoven with this scientific account are descriptions of some of the most important hurricanes in history and relevant works of art and literature. For instance, he describes the 17th century hurricane that likely inspired Shakespeare''s The Tempest and that led to the British colonization of Bermuda. We also read about the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, by far the worst natural calamity in U.S. history, with a death toll between 8,000 and 12,000 that exceeded the San Francisco earthquake, the Johnstown Flood, and the Okeechobee Hurricane combined. Boasting more than one hundred color illustrations, from ultra-modern Doppler imagery to classic paintings by Winslow Homer, Divine Wind captures the profound effects that hurricanes have had on humanity. Its fascinating blend of history, science, and art will appeal to weather junkies, science buffs, and everyone who read Isaac''s Storm.Trade Review'...excellent photographs and satellite images of hurricanes and their dramatic impact. Anyone wanting to know the current state of our scientific understanding of hurricanes should get hold of this attractively produced book. 'Divine Wind' is the best introduction to hurricanes that I have come across.' * Andrew Robinson, THES *Other books have dealt with the historical accounts with more depth, but the overall effect of those in Divine Wind is unique. A pioneering hurricane researcher, Emanuel presents the science at a level that is not too technical for non-specialists, yet is sufficient to describe the basic physics with few equations. * Howard B Bluestein, Nature *

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Book SynopsisThis comprehensive work covers every species wild flower that you might encounter in Britain and Ireland, highlighting key features to allow identification with confidence.Wild flower identification may seem extremely challenging to those not familiar with them, but this brilliant photographic guide changes that forever. Packed with superb photography throughout, including stunning portraits and close-ups of key features along with succinct, no-nonsense text, this book will help you to identify any wild flower that you may encounter in Britain and Ireland. This second edition has been revised, updated, and expanded to become a truly comprehensive work, covering all but the most extreme rarities in the British Isles. This book packs a true floral punch. The pages have been designed to ensure that the photographs are reproduced at a sensible size while retaining a readable text. Key features are highlighted in boxes throughout the book, while details of

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Book SynopsisThe ideal gift for gardeners - discover more than 15,000 beautiful plants and learn how to successfully grow each one with this definitive planting guide now in its fully updated 4th edition. The RHS A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants has been compiled by an unrivalled team of over 70 plant experts led by Chris Brickell, the former Director General of the Royal Horticultural Society and a globally renowned plantsman. This latest edition of the world''s most comprehensive garden plant encyclopedia has undergone the greatest update since its first publication, with more than 5,000 new entries added and 6,000 superb images featuring fresh new photography. Whether you''re looking for inspiration for an unusual new flowering plant to grow, want to identify an amazing orchid you''ve seen, or need to find out how to keep alive the cactus you''ve been gifted - the A-Z is bound to have the answer.Trade ReviewAn ideal gift for any gardener * The Garden *The ultimate plant guide for gardeners...Unrivalled in authority and range...The only garden reference encyclopaedia you'll ever need...The definitive reference guide for every gardener * RTE Guide *Table of Contents 1: Foreword 1: HOW TO USE THE ENCYCLOPEDIA 1: Page and text elements 2: Understanding hardiness 3: Care under glass 4: Pruning groups 5: Propagation techniques 2: BOTANY FOR THE GARDENER 1: The plant kingdom 2: The life of a plant 3: Leaves 4: Flowers 3: THE A-Z PLANT DIRECTORY 1: Glossary 2: Acknowledgements

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