Natural History Books

Book SynopsisThe Complete Language of Herbs is a comprehensive encyclopedia providing the meanings, powers, facts, and folklore for over 500 herbs and spices. Along with a beautiful visual depiction, each entry provides the herb or spice’s scientific and common names, characteristics, and historic meanings and powers from mythology, medieval legends, folklore, and flower poetry. Did you know that allspice can be added to herbal mixtures to attract money or luck? Or that sprinkling arrowroot at the doors of your home will keep guests’ negative energy from entering? Reaching the height of popularity during the Victorian era, floriographies—dictionaries of symbolic flower meanings—were an amusing pastime and art to subtly communicate unspoken emotions. To complement the success of The Complete Language of Flowers, author S. Theresa Dietz has scoured historic sources and compiled an equally beautiful compendium in The Complete Language of Herbs, revealing the secrets and powers of hundreds of common and forgotten herbs and spices from around the world. Together with stunning full-color illustrations and two indexes, one for searching by common herb and spice name and the other organized by meaning, this beautiful reference is a must-have for gardeners, chefs, party planners, and food enthusiasts. Elegantly designed and beautifully illustrated, the Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia series offers comprehensive, display-worthy references on a range of intriguing topics, including birthday astrology, dream interpretation, astrological self-care practices, techniques for harnessing the power of dreams, and the stories behind signs and symbols.Table of ContentsContents Introduction How to Use This Book A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W-Z Works Consulted Acknowledgements About the Author Photo Credits List of Culinary Herbs Index of Common Herb Names Index of Common Meanings & Powers

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Book SynopsisNOTHING BEATS A MASSAGE FROM A CAT!Having developed an addiction to the cats’ comforting and therapeutic massages, Nekoyama and his fellow office workers return to the parlor. The cats work whenever they want, but lucky for Nekoyama and company, the parlor is open today. There’s even a new cat working there!

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Book SynopsisA beautiful, timeless gift for hikers, walkers, and tree lovers, this illustrated edition of the New York Times bestseller The Hidden Life of Trees takes readers on an unforgettable visual journey.In his international bestseller The Hidden Life of Trees, Peter Wohlleben opened readers’ eyes to the amazing processes at work in forests every day. Now this new, breathtakingly illustrated edition brings those wonders to life like never before.With compelling, abridged selections from the original book and stunning, large-format photographs of trees from around the world, this gorgeous volume distills the essence of Wohlleben’s message to show trees in all their glory and diversity. Through rich language highlighting the interconnectedness of forest ecosystems, the book offers fascinating insights about the fungal communication highway known as the “wood wide web,” the difficult life lessons learned in tree school, the hard-working natural cleanup crews that recycle dying trees, and much more. Beautiful images provide the perfect complement to Wohlleben’s words, with striking close-ups of bark and seeds, panoramas of vast expanses of green, and a unique look at what is believed to be the oldest tree on the planet.Published in Partnership with the David Suzuki InstituteTrade ReviewFor The Hidden Life of Trees (original edition): “The matter-of-fact Mr. Wohlleben has delighted readers and talk-show audiences alike with the news—long known to biologists—that trees in the forest are social beings.”—Sally McGrane, The New York Times“This fascinating book will intrigue readers who love a walk through the woods.”—Publishers Weekly“If you read this book, I believe that forests will become magical places for you, too.”—Tim Flannery“In this spirited exploration, [Wohlleben] guarantees that readers will never look at these life forms in quite the same way again.”—Library Journal“A paradigm-smashing chronicle of joyous entanglement that will make you joyously acknowledge your own entanglement in the ancient and ever-new web of being.”—Charles Foster, author of Being a Beast: Adventures Across the Species Divide“Soon after we begin to recognize trees for what they are—gigantic beings thriving against incredible odds for hundreds of years—we naturally come to ask, 'How do they do it?' This charming book tells how—not as a lecture, more like a warm conversation with a favorite friend.”—Hope Jahren, author of Lab Girl“A powerful reminder to slow down and tune into the language of nature.”—Rachel Sussman, author of The Oldest Living Things in the World“Charming, provocative, fascinating. In the tradition of Jean-Henri Fabre and other great naturalist story-tellers, Wohlleben relates imaginative, enthralling tales of ecology.”—David George Haskell, author of The Forest Unseen, Pulitzer finalist“Wohlleben’s book is at once romantic and scientific, beautifully articulating his personal relationship with the trees he has dedicated his life to. His view of the forest calls on us all to reevaluate our relationships with the plant world.”—Daniel Chamovitz, PhD, author of What a Plant Knows“With colorful and engaging descriptions of little-known phenomena in our natural world, Wohlleben helps readers appreciate the exciting processes at work in the forests around them.”—Dr. Richard Karban, University of California, Davis, author of Plant Sensing and Communication“You will never look at a tree the same way after reading Peter Wohlleben’s The Hidden Life of Trees, which reveals the mind-boggling properties and behavior of these terrestrial giants. Read this electrifying book, then go out and hug a tree—with admiration and gratitude.”—David Suzuki“Peter Wohlleben’s book explores trees in a unique way and gives them almost humanlike qualities as he describes their communication methods, solidarity, and teamwork ...The Hidden Life of Trees isn’t just about trees, it’s about how to be a good human.” —The Book Nook“A superb fusion of images and ideas, all dedicated to proclaiming the message that trees, and the forests of which they form a surprisingly interconnected part, are far more remarkable than most of us ever previously dreamt.” —The Well-Read Naturalist“Peter Wohlleben’s The Hidden Life of Trees received a makeover.” —Quench“If trees could speak our language, they’d put their voices together urging everyone to take time to read through Peter Wohlleben’s new illustrated edition of The Hidden Life of Trees.”—Planet Experts

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Book SynopsisButterflies animate our summers but the fifty-nine species found in the British Isles can be surprisingly elusive. Some bask unseen at the top of trees in London parks; others lurk at the bottom of damp bogs in Scotland. A few survive for months, while other ephemeral creatures only fly for three days. Several are virtually extinct. This bewitching book charts Patrick Barkham's quest to find each of them - from the Adonis Blue to the Dingy Skipper - in one unforgettable summer. Wry, attentive, full of infectious delight and curiosity, written with a beautifully light touch, The Butterfly Isles is a classic of British nature writing.

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Book SynopsisWaterstones Non fiction Book of the Month November 2021 ‘A delightful compendium that brings together language, culture and adventure through frozen landscapes as it shares the meanings behind 50 words for snow, gathered from around the globe.’ The Herald Snow. Every language has its own words for the magical, mesmerising flakes that fall from the sky. In this exquisite exploration, writer and Arctic traveller Nancy Campbell digs deep into the meanings of fifty words for snow. In Japanese we encounter yuki-onna – a ‘snow woman’ who drifts through the frosted land. In Icelandic it is hundslappadrífa – ‘snowflakes as big as a dog’s paw’ – that softly blanket the streets. And in Māori we meet Huka-rere – ‘one of the children of rain and wind’. From mountain tops and frozen seas to city parks and desert hills, each of these linguistic snow crystals offers a whole world of myth and story – the perfect winter gift. ___ ‘Absolutely exquisite. This little book is a work of art. It is impossible to imagine the reader who will not love it.’ Horatio Clare, author of The Light in the Dark ‘This stunning book made me want to pack all my woolies, candles, ample firewood and enough books for a year – and head to as northerly a location as I could find.’ Kerri ní Dochartaigh, Caught By the River ‘Sparkles and dazzles with new meanings and old magic. You’ll never see snow in the same way again.’ Matt Gaw, author of Under the StarsTrade Review'A sparkling prism to reveal what snow means to different cultures... [an] exploration of the language that describes myriad snowscapes, from mountain peaks and ancient glaciers to boreal cities and Baltic landscapes.' National Geographic 'A miraculous snow bank of niveous names and knowledge as delicate and multifaceted as the flakes it celebrates. A glittering cloud of Inupiaq, Icelandic, compound Maori, Finnish, Scots, Thai, Hebrew, American Sign Language.' Dan Richards, author of Outpost: A Wild Journey to the Ends of the Earth 'This is a book of now... It shows us how we are connected and united across languages and across borders, through our environment, climate, stories and Nature. Fifty Words for Snow is both gorgeous and important to hunker down with, whatever the weather outside.' Resurgence & Ecologist Magazine 'A delightful compendium that brings together language, culture and adventure through frozen landscapes as it shares the meanings behind 50 words for snow, gathered from around the globe.' The Herald, Christmas Books 2020 ‘Absolutely exquisite. This little book is a work of art. It is impossible to imagine the reader who will not love it.’ Horatio Clare, author of The Light in the Dark ‘This stunning book made me want to pack all my woolies, candles, ample firewood and enough books for a year – and head to as northerly a location as I could find.’ Kerri ní Dochartaigh, Caught By the River ‘Sparkles and dazzles with new meanings and old magic. You’ll never see snow in the same way again.’ Matt Gaw, author of Under the Stars

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Book SynopsisThe fifth instalment of the Birder Murder series It is in the silent spaces between the facts that the truth often hides When his most celebrated case is suddenly reopened, Detective Chief Inspector Jejeune's long-buried secrets threaten to come to light. Meanwhile, his girlfriend, Lindy, faces an unseen threat of her own, one which Jejeune may not be able to protect her from. Between fending off inquiries from the internal review and an open murder case to solve, more than ever Jejeune will have to rely on the help of the stalwart Sergeant Danny Maik. But Maik is learning things on his own that have caused him to question his DCI‘s actions, both past and present. In the current case, and in the former one, the facts seem clear enough. But often the most insidious lies hide behind the most honest-seeming truths.Trade Review‘A rattling good read… Burrows knows his birds, but he knows how to create a page-turner, too, so keep it handy for downtime between birding expeditions.’ * Birdwatching *‘An excellent police procedural set in rural Norfolk, with enjoyable characters and a strong conservation slant.’ * Mystery People *Praise for the Birder Murder Mysteries: 'A murder plot built around birdwatching doesn’t, at first, seem plausible or even possible. But Burrows pulls it off... Riveting from first page to final line.' Globe and Mail 'A suspenseful and well-crafted mystery perfect for the beach.' Morning Star 'A neatly-constructed and well-told police procedural. If you like north Norfolk you'll feel as though you're there. If you like birds you'll feel as though you're in heaven.' The Bookbag 'Skillfully written, full of moral ambiguities and artful puzzles, with a spine-tingling final sentence.' Kirkus starred review

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Book SynopsisGleaming and sparkling, the coral sea Is a place of magical mystery. A gorgeous board book by award-winning author and illustrator Britta Teckentrup! Discover a world beneath the waves that is teeming with life, from tiny, graceful seahorses to darting tropical fish, and from electric eels to humpback whales. Lyrical text by Patricia Hegarty and stunning artwork by the award-winning illustrator Britta Teckentrup capture a colourful array of sea creatures in this delightful peep-through board book. Die-cuts reveal fascinating creatures and vibrant artwork is paired with gentle text to capture the world beneath the waves. Also available in the Peek-through Nature series: Don't miss the full range of stunning books that focus on the natural world, including Moon, Bee, Tree and Home! For more Britta Teckentrup books that explore social themes, don’t miss We Are Together, Under the Same Sky, Kindness Grows and A Happy Place.

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Book SynopsisStruggling with problem behaviour in rabbits can leave you frustrated, embarrassed, and feeling helpless. You're not alone - over forty percent of the 1.5 million pet rabbits in the UK show behaviours that their owners wish they didn't! The lives of these rabbits, and their owners, can be improved by tackling bad behaviours at the root. Behavioural Problems in Rabbits: A Clinical Approach by rabbit behavioural expert Guen Bradbury, gives you the tools you need to address any unwanted behaviour in a rabbit under your care. Whether you are an owner, a veterinary surgeon or nurse, or if you rehome rabbits, this book will help you: * Understand what influences rabbit behaviour * Diagnose the cause of a specific problem behaviour * Learn the principles of modifying rabbit behaviour * Construct an achievable plan to change a specific behaviour * Review and refine the behaviour modification plan as neededTable of Contents1. Introduction; 2. What is the problem behaviour?; 3. Why is the problem behaviour occurring?; 4. How can I change behaviour?; 5. How can I resolve a specific behavioural problem?; 6. Conclusion; Appendix: Advice sheets

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Book SynopsisThis vividly written and lavishly illustrated book challenges many cherished beliefs about the rose. It looks set to establish itself as the definitive history of the Queen of Flowers.Ever since Sappho planted roses at the shrine of Aphrodite, no flower has captured the imagination in quite the same way. Wherever it has grown, human beings have projected on to it their dreams and aspirations. Celebrated as a sacred symbol and as a token of womanhood, the rose unites Venus with the Virgin Mary, the blood of Christ with the sweat of Muhammad, the sacred and the profane, life and death, the white rose of chastity and the red rose of consummation.In The Rose, the acclaimed horticultural historian Jennifer Potter shows what, exactly, gives this most fragrant flower its potency in societies around the world. Beginning her story in the Greek and Roman empires, she travels across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas to unravel its evolution from a simple briar of the northern hemisphere to the height of cultivated perfection found in rose gardens today. Whether laying bare the flower's long association with sexuality and secret societies, questioning the Crusaders' role in bringing roses back from the Holy Land, or hunting for its elusive blooms in the gardens of the Empress Josephine at Malmaison, Jennifer Potter reveals why this flower, above all others, has provoked such fascination.Trade ReviewLavish, lushly illustrated... This ambitious book is richly kaleidoscopic without being bewildering, and Potter has succeeded in uncovering just why the rose has insinuated itself so tenaciously into the consciousness of every age and corner of the world. -- Kate Colquhoun, Sunday Times

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Book Synopsis'Beautifully written and filled with mind-boggling wonders' - Dave Goulson, author of A Sting in the Tale'Thrilling, compellingly readable and paradigm-shattering' - Charles Foster, author of Being a Beast'Both expert and entertaining' - David Barrie, author of Incredible JourneysAnts have been walking the Earth since the age of the dinosaurs. Today there are one million ants for every one of us. The closer you get to ants, the more human they look: they build megacities, grow crops, raise livestock, tend their young and infirm, and even make vaccines. They also have a darker side: they wage war, enslave rivals and rebel against their oppressors. From fearsome army ants, who stage twelve-hour hunting raids where they devour thousands, to gentle leaf-cutters gardening in their peaceful underground kingdoms, every ant is engineered by nature to fulfil their particular role.Acclaimed biologist Susanne Foitzik has travelled the globe to study these master architects of Earth. Joined by journalist Olaf Fritsche, Foitzik invites readers deep into her world - in the field and in the lab - and will inspire new respect for ants as a global superpower.Fascinating and action-packed, Empire of Ants will open your eyes to the secret societies thriving right beneath your feet.Trade ReviewBeautifully written and filled with mind-boggling wonders, Empire of Ants is a delightful tribute to the minuscule but extraordinary world of creatures that live right beneath our feet. -- Dave Goulson, author of A STING IN THE TALEThrilling, compellingly readable, and paradigm-shattering. A gateway to a strange but strangely familiar society - a complex international community, ruled by stern, exotic, resonant and repercussive stories. -- Charles Foster, author of BEING A BEASTBoth expert and entertaining, Empire of Ants will leave you in no doubt that these wonderfully strange little animals are among the most impressive of all our fellow creatures. -- David Barrie, author of INCREDIBLE JOURNEYSAre we the sole rulers of this world? This wonderful book brings our tiny co-rulers alive via an engaging description of ants' cities, hard work, warfare, royalty, diversity, and ecological impact. These insects may be quite different from us, but their societies are eerily similar. -- Frans de Waal, author of MAMA'S LAST HUGIf you ever wanted to travel to an exotic planet filled with strange life forms - you've arrived. Every page of Empire of Ants brims with astonishing stories and facts that could never have been invented by a human mind. -- Carl Safina, author of BECOMING WILDThis is a charming tribute to the 'little creatures that run the world.' A very personal selection of the many wonders discovered in the world of ants that introduces readers to their fascinating lives. -- Bert Hölldobler, co-author of THE SUPERORGANISM and Pulitzer Prize–winning THE ANTSSusanne Foitzik and Olaf Fritsche have you enter a whole new universe worthy of a science fiction novel, yet it exists right at your feet. -- Mark W. Moffett, author of THE HUMAN SWARM and ADVENTURES AMONG ANTSThis highly entertaining book makes it clear that Mother Nature has been having a wildly fun time moulding these social insects into an abundance of behavioural and physical expression. -- Jonathan Balcombe, author of WHAT A FISH KNOWS and SUPER FLY

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Book SynopsisThis ground-breaking book explores the issues surrounding barefoot horses in the UK and looks in detail at how to improve overall hoof health, in both shod and barefoot horses. This new edition in paperback offers practical, hands-on advice on achieving barefoot performance in a variety of disciplines - from eventing and hunting to endurance - focussing on the essential elements for healthy hooves: diet, environment, exercise and trimming or shoeing. In addition, the book has step-by step advice on rehabilitating problem hooves with case studies of horses with a range of issues, from navicular or tendon damage to metabolic disorders like laminitis and insulin resistance. The authors have successfully ridden and competed their own horses barefoot for many years and have helped many hundreds of their clients' horses work successfully without shoes.

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Book SynopsisThere is space in your heart made by the love for a cat. It is created by snuggles, quiet sounds, and gentle nudges that remind you every day of the delight in being chosen. When You Love a Cat is the perfect gift to celebrate the beautiful bond between a cat and the ones they love for a lifetime.

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Book SynopsisA compilation of beautiful heart rocks found in their natural environment by nature photographer Amy M. Dykens.

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Book SynopsisDescribes eight walks in Assynt, ranging from easy to more challenging mountain walks. A fold-out colour map shows the different rock types which make up the area and also has the walks and other sites of interest marked.

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Book SynopsisPawpaws is an in-depth guide to growing and marketing North America's forgotten native fruit at small commercial orchard scale. Coverage includes selecting cultivars, orchard planning, propagating, organic growing, pest management, harvesting, marketing, and value-added products. Table of ContentsPreface Introduction Chapter 1: Foraging for Wild Pawpaws Chapter 2: Description of North American Pawpaw Fruit Chapter 3: Flowering and Pollination Chapter 4: Site Design and Planting Chapter 5: Choosing Your Trees Chapter 6: Maintaining the Orchard Chapter 7: Harvesting Pawpaw Fruit Chapter 8: Tree Propagation Chapter 9: Pests, Diseases, Disorders and Their Management Chapter 10: Pawpaw Fruit Marketing Strategies Chapter 11: Pawpaw CultivarsChapter 12: Troubleshooting, Cost Analysis, and CalendarChapter 13: ConclusionResources NotesIndex About the AuthorAbout New Society Publishers

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Book SynopsisAt DK, we understand that your pony or horse probably means the world to you, and that''s why we bring you a practical tried-and-tested guide to every aspect of equine care!It''s no secret that horses are supremely beautiful and intelligent beings. With the right care, they can form an incredibly rewarding bond with you!The Complete Horse Care Manual is written by experienced vet and horse specialist, Colin Vogel. It offers a guide to horse anatomy and shows you how to interpret their body language and prevent them becoming frightened or bored, explaining how to deal with common problems and unwanted behaviours.Dive straight in to discover: -Full-colour illustrations with over 650 specially- commissioned diagrams-Step-by-step photography demonstrating every aspect of horse care from grooming to mucking out-Revised feeding sections to reflect the latest thinking on equine dietary requirements-Up-to-date advice on horse sho

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Book SynopsisGround training is the key to a safe and pleasurable riding experience. Designed for easy reference while working with your horse, this guide can be hung on a post. Riders of all disciplines and skill levels will benefit from these exercises that reinforce good habits and help develop a strong bond between horse and rider.

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Book SynopsisCats can be mysterious and cat owners are eager to understand their behavior and learn how to strengthen the bond between cats and humans. In the revised 2nd edition of The Cat Behavior Answer Book (77,000 copies in print), pet expert Arden Moore answers the many questions cat owners have, from the practical aspects of training, feeding, and caring to the puzzling aspects of behavior and communication. Do cats dream? What's the purpose of a cat's whiskers? How do I catproof my house? Why does my elderly cat howl at night? How can I train my cats not to jump upon the kitchen counter? Can I keep my cat from climbing the curtains? What's the best way to train a kitten to use the litter box? How can I eliminate the smell of cat urine? What's the best way to trim a cat's nails? Is it okay for my cat to eat grass? Arden Moore provides insightful answers to all these questions and many more, along with reassuring guidance on addressing the problems that can get in the way of living happily with a cat. The 2nd edition has been completely updated to reflect the most recent research and recommendations and redesigned in a larger, highly browsable format.

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Book SynopsisEdward O. Wilson--winner of two Pulitzer prizes, champion of biodiversity, and Faculty Emeritus at Harvard University--is arguably one of the most important thinkers of the twentieth century. Yet his celebrated career began not with an elite education but from an insatiable curiosity about the natural world and drive to explore its mysteries. Called "one of the finest scientific memoirs ever written" by the Los Angeles Times, Naturalist is a wise and personal account of Wilson's growth as a scientist and the evolution of the fields he helped define. This 25th Anniversary Edition celebrates Naturalist as a modern classic. Wilson traces the trajectory of his life--from a childhood spent exploring the Gulf Coast of Alabama and Florida to life as a tenured professor at Harvard--detailing how his youthful fascination with nature blossomed into a lifelong calling. With humor and insight, Wilson recounts his days as a student at the University of Alabama and decades at Harvard University, where he has achieved renown as both teacher and researcher. As the narrative of Wilson's life unfolds, the reader is treated to an inside look at the origin and development of ideas that guide today's biological research. Theories that are now widely accepted in the scientific world were once untested hypotheses emerging from one man's wide-ranging studies. At once practical and lyric, Naturalist provides fascinating insights into the making of a scientist, and a valuable look at some of the most thought-provoking ideas of our time. As relevant today as when it was first published, Naturalist is a poignant reminder of the deeply human side of science and an inspiring call to celebrate the little things of the worldTable of ContentsTable of Contents Prelude PART I. Daybreak in Alabama Chapter 1. Paradise Beach Chapter 2. Send Us the Boy Chapter 3. A Light in the Corner Chapter 4. A Magic Kingdom Chapter 5. To Do My Duty Chapter 6. Alabama Dreaming Chapter 7. The Hunters Chapter 8. Good-Bye to the South Chapter 9. Orizaba PART II. Storyteller Chapter 10. The South Pacific Chapter 11. The Forms of Things Unknown Chapter 12. The Molecular Wars Chapter 13. Islands Are the Key Chapter 14. The Florida Keys Experiment Chapter 15. Ants Chapter 16. Attaining Sociobiology Chapter 17. The Sociobiology Controversy Chapter 18. Biodiversity, Biophilia Afterword Acknowledgments Index

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Book SynopsisOver 1300 species of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, grasses, ferns, mosses and lichens are described and illustrated. Notes on origin of name, ecology, native uses, edibility and similar species are included, as are color-coded sections to allow for quick identification.

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Book SynopsisAll our seas feed into one true ocean, interconnected and interdependent. Producing over half of the world's oxygen, our planet’s ocean is a natural and vital wonder. As well as supporting a vast array of life, it plays a crucial role in regulating our weather and climate and it supplies us with food, medicine, recreation and a means of transport. Now it is under threat from many sides, such as overfishing, climate change and pollution to name a few. From the still waters of the Caribbean coastlines to the choppy North Sea, the Polar regions to the coral reefs, this book celebrates the essential ecosystems of our ocean around the world, providing a pictorial record of this wondrous world that needs our protection.

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Book SynopsisAn eclectic collection of prose, poetry and practical advice for every day of the year. A mix of fact and fiction, fantasy and experience, the Bedside Companion for Gardeners is a treasure trove of green-fingered inspiration where practical advice blends seamlessly with poetry and prose from intrepid gardeners past and present. Dip in and out of this collection with an entry for every night of the year that draws on writing through the ages and from across the globe. The Bedside Companion for Gardeners incorporates practical advice from the 17th-century gardening diarist John Evelyn; inspiring prose from Elizabeth von Arnim and John Milton; astute commentary from Horace Walpole on William Kent and Nancy Mitford on the vulgarity of a Surrey garden. Kipling offers practical advice, while Tennyson waxes lyrical on an Arabian night garden. The perfect gift for any gardener, this magical book is an invaluable source of inspiration and guidance to revisit throughout the year. Trade Review‘A delightful read to escape into last thing at night’ – Paula McWaters -- Country Living‘The green-fingered will love this anthology’ -- Daily Express/Daily Mirror‘This thoughtful and inspiring selection offers a fresh perspective on our outdoor space’ * Sunday Express *

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Book SynopsisThe Namib Desert is vast, arid expanse of constantly moving gravel plains and dunes. It covers more than 31,000 square miles stretching the whole of the western coast of Namibia, into Angola and South Africa. The winds blow relentlessly and thick fog frequently blankets the towering dunes along the coast. Although it supports a wide diversity of flora and fauna, it is a harsh environment for man and mammal. In the midst of this seemingly inhospitable region, near Garub, live the elusive wild horses that have fascinated people for almost a century. And into this wilderness a young slip of a girl ventured, alone and armed with little more than a camera, a tent and a burning desire to follow the call of the wild. As the weeks turned into months, Miona Janeke followed the herd from before sunrise until after dark: learning, understanding, photographing and becoming one with the free-spirited horses. This book is the result of an intrepid pilgrimage to discover the essence of the mysterious herds of feral horses. The exquisite photographs of the horses and their surroundings show a deep, almost spiritual, connection between subject and photographer.They are testament to a rare talent and an indomitable personality.

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Book SynopsisHierdie hersiene uitgawe van die Roberts Voëlgids bevat byna 1000 spesies wat in Suider-Afrika (suid van die Cunene- en Zambesi-rivier) voorkom. Die gids spog met puik nuwe illustrasiewerk wat besonderhede gee oor seisoenale, ouderdoms en geslagsverskille in ongeveer 240 geannoteerde kleurplate, bygewerkte verspreidingskaarte, broei- en seisoenstafies en bondige dog insiggewende teks oor uitkenning, asook aspekte van biologie soos kos en roep. Voëlgeesdriftiges se biblioteke sal beslis baat by hierdie nuwe toevoeging.

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Book SynopsisPrized for their stamina and their acclimation to the harsh conditions of the Arabian deserts, the ancestors of the horses that are now recognized as the Egyptian Arabian purebred horse entered Egypt centuries ago, establishing the valuable bloodlines of the breed there. The breeding programs in Egypt therefore became the root source for the finest Arabian horses, attracting passionate enthusiasts from all corners of the world. Artists, poets, and historians have for centuries been inspired by their great beauty and romantic legacy. Nasr Marei is the third-generation owner of a stud farm in Giza, Egypt. His love for and knowledge of the Egyptian Arabian horse, coupled with his sensitive and striking photography, have inspired this visual tribute. His extraordinary photographs, accompanied by text that traces the history and evolution of the Arabian's journey into Egypt, celebrate the lineage of this living treasure of Egyptian heritage.

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Book Synopsis'Clear and compact ... It's hard to fault as a brief, easily digestible introduction to some of the biggest questions in the Universe' Giles Sparrow, BBC Four's The Sky at Night, Best astronomy and space books of 2019: 5/5All the matter and light we can see in the universe makes up a trivial 5 per cent of everything. The rest is hidden. This could be the biggest puzzle that science has ever faced.Since the 1970s, astronomers have been aware that galaxies have far too little matter in them to account for the way they spin around: they should fly apart, but something concealed holds them together. That 'something' is dark matter - invisible material in five times the quantity of the familiar stuff of stars and planets.By the 1990s we also knew that the expansion of the universe was accelerating. Something, named dark energy, is pushing it to expand faster and faster. Across the universe, this requires enough energy that the equivalent mass would be nearly fourteen times greater than all the visible material in existence.Brian Clegg explains this major conundrum in modern science and looks at how scientists are beginning to find solutions to it.Trade ReviewClear and compact ... It's hard to fault as a brief, easily digestible introduction to some of the biggest questions in the Universe -- Giles Sparrow, BBC Sky at Night * Best astronomy and space books of 2019: 5/5 *

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Book SynopsisEco-tourists, adventurers, and nature lovers will find African Wildlife to be the ideal pocket-sized, folding guide to refer to on safari. The familiar elephant is one of thousands of species of animals inhabiting the diverse ecosystems found throughout region. This beautifully illustrated guide highlights over 140 familiar and unique species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and includes a map of the country's vegetation zones. Laminated for durability, this lightweight, pocket-sized folding guide is an excellent source of portable information and ideal for field on safari. Made in the USA.

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for the 2018 Royal Society Investment Science Book Prize'Endlessly fascinating.' - Bill Bryson 'Eye-opening, informative and very funny!' - Chris Packham'Well-informed and downright funny' - Richard DawkinsHistory is full of strange animal stories invented by the brightest and most influential, from Aristotle to Disney. But when it comes to understanding animals, we’ve got a long way to go. Whether we’re watching a viral video of romping baby pandas or looking at a picture of penguins ‘holding hands’, we often project our own values – innocence, abstinence, hard work – onto animals. So you’ve probably never considered that moose get drunk and that penguins are notorious cheats. In The Unexpected Truth About Animals Zoologist Lucy unravels many such myths – that eels are born from sand, that swallows hibernate under water, and that bears gave birth to formless lumps that are licked into shape by their mothers – to show that the stories we create reveal as much about us as they do about the animals. Astonishing, illuminating and laugh-out-loud funny.Trade ReviewA bloody fabulous read. Thoroughly recommend. -- Sue Perkins (Twitter)A riot of facts....Cooke scores a series of goals with style and panache. * The Times *Beautifully written, meticulously researched, with the science often couched in outrageous asides, this is a splendid read. In fact, I cannot remember when I last enjoyed a non-fiction work so much. * Daily Express *Best science pick.Sigmund Freud's first paper involved the dissection of eels in an attempt to locate their testes. To his frustration, Freud failed to find any. The eel's life cycle remains slippery, notes natural-history broadcaster Lucy Cooke in her deeply researched, sassily written history of "the biggest misconceptions, mistakes and myths we've concocted about the animal kingdom", spread by figures from Aristotle to Walt Disney. Other chapters spotlight the sloth, vulture, hippopotamus, panda, chimpanzee and others, and dismantle anthropocentric clichés with scientific, global evidence. * Nature *Lucy Cooke's The Unexpected Truth About Animals was a joy from beginning to end. Who could resist a writer who argues that penguins have been pulling the wool over our eyes for years, and that, far from being cute and gregarious, they are actually pathologically unpleasant necrophiliacs? * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisThe perfect companions for exploring the National Parks.Walking guide to the Peak District National Park, with 20 best routes chosen by the park rangers. Each walk varies in length from 2 to 10 km and can be completed in less than 4 hours.20 best routes chosen and written by National Park rangersWalks from 2 to 10kmDetailed description for each walk with highlights clearly marked on the map along with an accompanying map and photographsGeneral information about the National Park plus basic advice on walkingThis and the Peak District National Park Pocket Map (ISBN: 9780008439217) are the perfect companions for exploring this superb walking area of England.Trade Review“Walking guides from Collins will have you expertly traversing the landscape like a park ranger.” – Great British Life

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Book SynopsisHandy little full colour map and guide of South Downs National Park.Detailed mapping and visitor information to the National Park along with a selection of photographs. Map at a scale of 1:125 000 (1cm to 1.25km, 2.0 miles to 1 inch).This small map with additional text and photographs gives a great overview of the South Downs National Park, and is the perfect companion for exploring this beautiful area of South East England.Clear, detailed mappingKey park, tourist and travel informationIdeal for planning visits to the National ParkIndex to help locate and plan your trip Information on the South Downs Way, Miles Without Stiles routes, the Seven Sisters and other places of interestDiscover more about the walking routes at this National Park with the South Downs Park Rangers Favourite Walks (ISBN: 9780008439118).

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Book SynopsisAs much as dogs, cats, or any domestic animal, horses exemplify the vast range of human-animal interactions. Horses have long been deployed to help with a variety of human activitiesfrom racing and riding to police work, farming, warfare, and therapyand have figured heavily in the history of natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities. Most accounts of the equine-human relationship, however, fail to address the last few centuries of Western history, focusing instead on pre-1700 interactions. Equestrian Cultures fills in the gap, telling the story of how prominently horses continue to figure in our lives, up to the present day. Kristen Guest and Monica Mattfeld place the modern period front and center in this collection, illuminating the largely untold story of how the horse has responded to the accelerated pace of modernity. The book's contributors explore equine cultures across the globe, drawing from numerous interdisciplinary sources to show how horses have unexpectedl

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Book SynopsisIn this fully revised and updated edition of British Paleozoic Fossils 443 species from this time are described and classified and illustrated with accurate black-and-white line drawings. Reflecting advances in our understanding of the fossil record, it features those animal and plant species that are most commonly found in Britain.

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Book SynopsisA SUNDAY TIMES NATURE BOOK OF THE YEAR*UPDATED EDITION FEATURING EXTRA MATERIAL*A nature diary by award-winning novelist, nature writer and hit podcaster Melissa Harrison, following her journey from urban south London to the rural Suffolk countryside.''A writer of great gifts.'' ROBERT MACFARLANE''The journal of a writer to compare to Thomas Hardy. Melissa Harrison is among our most celebrated nature writers.'' JOHN CAREY, THE TIMESA Londoner for over twenty years, moving from flat to Tube to air-conditioned office, Melissa Harrison knew what it was to be insulated from the seasons. Adopting a dog and going on daily walks helped reconnect her with the cycle of the year and the quiet richness of nature all around her: swifts nesting in a nearby church; ivy-leaved toadflax growing out of brick walls; the first blackbird''s song; an exhilarating glimpse of a hobby over Tooting Common.Moving from scrappy c

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"This is an exceptional collection of photos... The photos are printed at extremely high resolutions. That many photos and so many birds in 443 pages is asking a lot, but all is crisply delivered."--Jim Williams, Minneapolis Star Tribune's Wingnut blogTable of ContentsIntroduction 6 Species descriptions 12 Swans 12 Geese 14 Shelducks 21 Dabbling ducks 22 Whistling ducks 28 Diving ducks 28 Sea ducks 34 Stifftails 41 Vagrant and exotic ducks 42 Gamebirds 45 Divers (Loons) 55 Grebes 58 Shearwaters and petrels 61 Storm-petrels 66 Rare petrels and albatrosses 67 Frigatebirds 75 Tropicbirds 76 Gannets and boobies 77 Pelicans 80 Cormorants 81 Herons, bitterns and egrets 83 Storks 93 Spoonbills and ibises 94 Spoonbills and storks 96 Flamingos 97 Honey-buzzards 99 Buzzards 101 Snake eagles 105 Kites 106 Vultures 108 Harriers 113 Eagles 117 Osprey and Black-shouldered Kite 126 Accipiters 127 Falcons 129 Rails, crakes and gallinules 137 Cranes 143 Bustards 145 Oystercatcher and Turnstone 148 Stilts and avocets 149 Stone-curlews and coursers 150 Pratincoles 151 Plovers and lapwings 153 Sandpipers 162 Woodcocks and snipes 173 Dowitchers and Upland Sandpiper 176 Godwits 177 Curlews 178 Larger sandpipers 180 Phalaropes 185 Skuas (Jaegers) 187 Gulls 190 Terns 211 Auks 222 Sandgrouse 227 Pigeons and doves 229 Parakeets 234 Cuckoos 235 Owls 238 Nightjars 246 Swifts 248 Contents Kingfishers 251 Rollers 253 Bee-eaters 254 Hoopoe 255 Woodpeckers 256 Larks 262 Swallows and martins 269 Pipits 274 Wagtails 279 Accentors 284 Wren and Dipper 286 Robins and chats 287 Redstarts 291 Stonechats 295 Wheatears 298 Rock thrushes 303 Thrushes 304 Bush warblers and cisticolas 311 Grasshopper warblers 312 Reed warblers 315 Tree warblers 320 Sylvia warblers 324 Leaf warblers 333 Crests 341 Old World flycatchers 343 Tyrant flycatchers 348 Penduline tit and leiothrix 350 Reedling and parrotbill 351 Long-tailed tit 352 Tits 353 Nuthatches 358 Treecreepers 360 Wallcreeper and Golden Oriole 361 Shrikes 362 Crows and jays 370 Starlings 377 Waxwings 379 Bulbuls and mynas 381 Sparrows 382 Introduced exotic finches 386 Finches 389 Buntings 404 Vagrant Nearctic passerines 417 New World warblers 433 Index 434 Photographic credits 444

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Book SynopsisA groundbreaking photographic field guide to almost all of Mexico's butterfly species and many of Central America's This is a revised second edition of a groundbreaking photographic field guide to the butterflies of Mexico and Central America. It covers almost all of the more than 1,700 butterfly species found in Mexico, plus many found only in CeTrade ReviewPraise for Jeffrey Glassberg's previous butterfly books: "Glassberg treats his subject as an open door. Walk through it and begin what can be a lifetime adventure."--E. O. Wilson Praise for Jeffrey Glassberg's previous butterfly books: "May do for butterflies what Peterson did for birds."--Village Voice

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"A Birdwatcher's Yearbook Best Bird Book of the Year""Terrific. . . . Futuyma writes an accessible overview of bird evolution that lay readers, especially birders, will be able to understand." * BirdWatching *"[Futuyma] skillfully weaves together salient themes of evolutionary biology from the living aviary, stressing the important role that birds played in advancing our understanding of evolution."---Alan Feduccia, Science"This engaging and wide-ranging summary of virtually every aspect of avian evolution synthesizes the earliest insights from Darwin to those of modern phylogenetics, using birds to illustrate each concept. ... [Futuyma] may be the ideal person to explain the marvels of bird evolution."---Daniel S. Cooper, The Quarterly Review of Biology"How Birds Evolve is accessible, exhilarating science for everyone – amateur birder, professional naturalist or just the average man. It’s a great book and one to read over and over and I thoroughly recommend it to all. This is already my Bird Book of 2022 and I can't see it being bettered."---Phil Slade, Another Bird Blog"How Birds Evolve is a book full of accessible and exhilarating science for everyone and not just birders and professional naturalists. It’s simply a stunning book and one to read numerous times and an example of the amalgamation of science and nature writing at its finest and I thoroughly recommend it to everyone."---Roy Stewart, British Naturalists Association"The delight is in the detail. . . . Futuyma unpacks the story of evolutionary science alongside the story of how birds evolved. . . . [How Birds Evolve] is entertaining and passionate."---Simon Ings, New Scientist"[Futuyma’s] life-long passion and competence guide us across the pages of this book with a hint of humour."---Gaia Bazz, Community Ecology ​​​​​​​

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Book SynopsisAnimal bones are one of the most abundant types of evidence found in archaeological sites dating from pre-historic times to the Middle Ages, and they can reveal a startling amount about the economy and way of life of people in the past.

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Book SynopsisIf you imagine that our ancient forbears ate weak gruel, some meat, and bread so hard that it was practically inedible, Jacqui Wood''s study and recreation of ancient cooking methods and recipes will be a revelation. Based on experimental archaeology at the author''s world-famous research settlement in Cornwall, this book describes the ingredients of prehistoric cooking and the methods of food preparation. A general overview of the lifestyle of our prehistoric ancestors is followed by detailed sections (plus cookbook-style recipes) on: bread; dairy foods; meat, fish and vegetable stews; cooking with hot stones; clay-baked food; salt and the seashore menu; peas, beans and lentils; herbs and spices; vegetables; yeast, wine, beer and teas; sweets and puddings. At the end of the book you will realise that a barbecue in the summer need not be sausages on a gas cooker; it could be fish wrapped in grasses and clay, baked in a fire pit at the end of the garden, followed by sweet fruit, seaweed jelly and washed down by Neolithic wine.

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Book SynopsisLogically organized and richly illustrated-with more than two hundred color photographs and fifty-two maps-Turtles of the United States and Canada remains the standard for libraries, museums, nature centers, field biologists, and professional and amateur herpetologists alike.Trade ReviewAnyone interested in turtles will want this book! Birdbooker Report 2009 Any college-level natural sciences library serious about turtles must have this substantially revised, updated second edition of the classic reference: Turtles of the United States and Canada. New species names supplements color photos charts, maps, and more in an extensive, detailed reference that is a 'must' for any definitive library. Midwest Book Review 2009 The 645 pages of text, plus over 150 pages of references make it an almost limitless source of information on the chelonia of this part of the world. For such a well-presented and beautifully illustrated book, it represents excellent value for money for professional and amateur herpetologists alike. -- Christine Tilley British Chelonia Group Newsletter 2009 If I did for some reason need to limit my turtle library to a single volume this book would be the one. -- David S. Lee Bulletin of the Chicago Herpetological Society 2009 Ernst and Lovich have outdone themselves this time. The terms 'monumental' and of 'epic proportions' certainly come to mind... Truly amazing... This book is a real gem. -- Chuck Schaffer Turtle and Tortoise Newsletter 2009 This work will be a standard reference on the shelves of libraries and other institutions with an interest in turtles. -- Helen Ashton Reference Reviews 2010 This second edition is an impressive accomplishment. Summarizing so much provides information is a daunting task and this book provides an amazing gateway into the vast body of scientific literature on North American turtles. -- David Seburn Canadian Field-Naturalist Turtles of the United States and Canada continues to be among the best taxa-specific ecological references ever compiled. It should be on the shelf of every library, serious turtle expert, herpetologist, vertebrate ecologist, or natural history buff. -- Joshua M. Kapfer Natural Areas Journal 2010Table of ContentsPrefaceAbbreviationsConservation of the Turtles of the United States and CanadaIdentification of the Turtles of the United States and CanadaCheloniidae: Marine TurtlesCaretta caretta, Loggerhead SeaturtleChelonia mydas, Green SeaturtleEretmochelys imbricata, Hawksbill SeaturtleLepidochelys kempii, Kemp's Ridley SeaturtleLepidochelys olivacea, Olive Ridley SeaturtleChelydridae: Snapping TurtlesChelydra serpentina, Snapping TurtleMacrochelys temminckii, Alligator Snapping TurtleDermochelyidae: Leatherback SeaturtlesDermochelys coriacea, Leatherback SeaturtleEmydidae: Semiaquatic Pond and Marsh TurtlesActinemys marmorata, Pacific Pond TurtleChrysemys picta, Painted TurtleClemmys guttata, Spotted TurtleDeirochelys reticularia, Chicken TurtleEmydoidea blandingii, Blanding's TurtleGlyptemys insculpta, Wood TurtleGlyptemys muhlenbergii, Bog TurtleGraptemys barbouri, Barbour's Map TurtleGraptemys caglei, Cagle's Map TurtleGraptemys ernsti, Escambia Map TurtleGraptemys flavimaculata, Yellow-blotched Map TurtleGraptemys geographica, Northern Map TurtleGraptemys gibbonsi, Pascagoula Map TurtleGraptemys nigrinoda, Black-knobbed Map TurtleGraptemys oculifera, Ringed Map TurtleGraptemys ouachitensis, Ouachita Map TurtleGraptemys pseudogeographica, False Map TurtleGraptemys pulchra, Alabama Map TurtleGraptemys versa, Texas Map TurtleMalaclemys terrapin, Diamond-backed TerrapinPseudemys alabamensis, Alabama Red-bellied CooterPseudemys concinna, River CooterPseudemys gorzugi, Rio Grande CooterPseudemys nelsoni, Florida Red-bellied CooterPseudemys peninsularis, Peninsula CooterPseudemys rubriventris, Northern Red-bellied CooterPseudemys suwanniensis, Suwannee CooterPseudemys texana, Texas River CooterTerrapene carolina, Eastern Box TurtleTerrapene ornata, Ornate Box TurtleTrachemys gaigeae, Big Bend SliderTrachemys scripta, Pond SliderKinosternidae: Mud and Musk TurtlesKinosternon arizonense, Arizona Mud TurtleKinosternon baurii, Striped Mud TurtleKinosternon flavescens, Yellow Mud TurtleKinosternon hirtipes, Rough-footed Mud TurtleKinosternon sonoriense, Sonora Mud TurtleKinosternon subrubrum, Eastern Mud TurtleSternotherus carinatus, Razor-backed Musk TurtleSternotherus depressus, Flattened Musk TurtleSternotherus minor, Loggerhead Musk TurtleSternotherus odoratus, Common Musk Turtle or StinkpotTestudinidae: TortoisesGopherus agassizii, Desert TortoiseGopherus berlandieri, Berlandier's TortoiseGopherus polyphemus, Gopher TortoiseTrionychidae: Softshell TurtlesApalone ferox, Florida SoftshellApalone mutica, Smooth SoftshellApalone spinifera, Spiny SoftshellPalea steindachneri,Wattle-necked SoftshellPelodiscus sinensis, Chinese SoftshellGlossary of Scientific NamesBibliographyIndex to Scientific and Common Names

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