Natural History Books

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Book SynopsisCharlotte Uhlenbroek studied zoology and psychology and then spent four years living in Gombe National Park, Tanzania, studying wild chimpanzees for her PhD on chimpanzee communication. She has presented several major primetime TV series, and written accompanying books, including the BBC's Talking with Animals, a series that unravels the mysteries of animal communication.

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Book SynopsisVolume Two of Gerald Durrell's beloved account of his childhood in Corfu, now in Penguin Modern Classics for the first time''A lot of frolic, fun and charming ribaldry, as well as the warm feeling of having been transported to a lovely spot where worry is unknown and anything is believable'' - The New York TimesAnother tiger-golden day lay ahead of us. It was as though England had never really existed'The Durrell clan's escapades on their Greek island home resume with the second volume of the Corfu Trilogy. Budding zoologist Gerald continues to explore the natural wonders around him, enjoying a night fishing trip, receiving a donkey as a birthday present and accidentally bringing a bear home for tea. Here too are more stories of the eccentric creatures he calls his family, including Margo's ill-advised foray into spiritualism and what becomes known as Mother's Great Romance'. Ending as the Second World War is declared, Birds, Beasts and Relatives is an enchanting return to a magical place.

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Book Synopsis''Thrilling'' Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall''Authoritative and furious, urgent and persuasive'' Sunday Times''Compelling ... Roberts is that precious pearl: a practising scientist who not only knows his field inside out, but also understands how to write'' Guardian Oceans are the most mysterious places on earth. Their depths remain largely unexplored, yet ninety-five percent of the planet''s habitable space lies within them. And now the life they support is in the balance.Callum Roberts uses his lifetime''s experience working with the oceans to take us on a panoramic tour beneath the seas, exploring the richness of life in the deep and how it has altered over the centuries. He shows the catastrophic impact of humanity on the oceans, but also how we can restore them to life.''For anyone who loves the sea, Ocean of Life is a wake-up call, an urgent alert'' Daily Mail''At the heart of this book is a deep loTrade ReviewThose of us who worry about the future of our oceans could do a lot worse than take up this single refrain, "Listen to Callum Roberts!". Shouted in the ears of the world's leaders, it might just make a difference. Meanwhile we should all read Ocean of Life, a thrilling narrative of oceanic natural history and a vital call to action -- Hugh Fearnley-WhittingstallAuthoritative and furious ... a grand survey ... impossible to ignore ... Ocean of Life is the sort of book that inspires you to get in touch with your MP. It is elegantly written, at times overwhelming and depressing, but generally urgent and persuasive. Informed citizens of our watery planet should read it -- Brian Schofield * Sunday Times *At the heart of this book is a deep love of the ocean and a profound concern for its viability as a resource for us all ... A story told with both scientific accuracy and narrative skill ... Roberts's clear, well-written accounts give us access to vast amounts of scientific information ... each chapter is edged with fascinating details about the life of the sea -- Stephen R Palumbi * Nature *The urgency of Callum Roberts' message - that we have very little time to save the oceanic environment on which our existence depends - is in no way undermined by the entertaining and brilliantly-written nature of his writing. This is simply a fascinating book, taking in everything from the elemental formations of the oceans to the denizens that inhabit them; from minute plankton to the great whales - and everything that threatens them, and us. Roberts imparts his vast knowledge with a consummate talent for colourful narrative and devastating facts. His book will be required reading for anyone who cares about the oceans - not least because, as well as underlining the scale of the problems, he offers us the hope of real solutions -- Philip Hoare, author of 'Leviathan or, The Whale'Ocean of Life is an excellent and engrossing work. Mr. Roberts, a British professor of marine conservation, has corralled an astonishing collection of scientific discovery ... I hope a great many people-particularly those in that undecided middle-read this book -- G. Bruce Knecht * Wall Street Journal *Callum Roberts has done it again. From showing us the past with the wisdom of a Dickens character in his earlier book, he now leads us toward the future in The Ocean of Life. It's a book so fine, I wish I'd written it! -- Carl Safina, author of 'Song for the Blue Ocean' and 'The View From Lazy Point' * - *An engrossing survey of the relationship between man and the sea for readers living through the greatest environmental changes in 65 million years ... Roberts's meditation will have readers gasping aloud with wonder, even as the sobering truth of humans' profound interdependence with the sea provokes concern -- Starred review * Publisher's Weekly *An impressive history of the oceans ... one of this book's strengths is the many solutions Roberts outlines to reverse the dismal state of the seas -- Pilita Clark * Financial Times *There is a dearth of good and comprehensive books on a subject that can seem too complicated and depressing for any single tome. Callum Roberts has now provided one ... there is no quibbling with the evidence of marine horrors that Mr Roberts presents * The Economist *It's probably a bit too soon to start talking about candidates for books of the year. But Callum Roberts' latest offering should already be considered a strong contender. Roberts is that precious pearl: a practising scientist who not only knows his field inside out, but also understands how to write compelling, persuasive non-fiction -- Leo Hickman * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisMy Family and Other Animals is the bewitching account of a rare and magical childhood on the island of Corfu by treasured British conservationist Gerald Durrell, beautifully repackaged as part of the Penguin Essentials range.''What we all need,'' said Larry, ''is sunshine...a country where we can grow.''''Yes, dear, that would be nice,'' agreed Mother, not really listening. ''I had a letter from George this morning - he says Corfu''s wonderful. Why don''t we pack up and go to Greece?''''Very well, dear, if you like,'' said Mother unguardedly. Escaping the ills of the British climate, the Durrell family - acne-ridden Margo, gun-toting Leslie, bookworm Lawrence and budding naturalist Gerry, along with their long-suffering mother and Roger the dog - take off for the island of Corfu.But the Durrells find that, reluctantly, they must share their various villas with a menagerie of local fauna - among them scorpions, geckos, toads, bats and butterflies.Recounted with immense humour and charm My Family and Other Animals is a wonderful account of a rare, magical childhood.''Durrell has an uncanny knack of discovering human as well as animal eccentricities'' Sunday Telegraph''A bewitching book'' Sunday TimesGerald Durrell was born in Jamshedpur, India, in 1925. He returned to England in 1928 before settling on the island of Corfu with his family. In 1945 he joined the staff of Whipsnade Park as a student keeper, and in 1947 he led his first animal-collecting expedition to the Cameroons. He later undertook numerous further expeditions, visiting Paraguay, Argentina, Sierra Leone, Mexico, Mauritius, Assam and Madagascar. His first television programme, Two in the Bush which documented his travels to New Zealand, Australia and Malaya was made in 1962; he went on to make seventy programmes about his trips around the world. In 1959 he founded the Jersey Zoological Park, and in 1964 he founded the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust. He was awarded the OBE in 1982. Encouraged to write about his life''s work by his brother, Durrell published his first book, The Overloaded Ark, in 1953. It soon became a bestseller and he went on to write thirty-six other titles, including My Family and Other Animals, The Bafut Beagles, Encounters with Animals, The Drunken Forest, A Zoo in My Luggage, The Whispering Land, Menagerie Manor, The Amateur Naturalist and The Aye-Aye and I. Gerald Durrell died in 1995.Trade ReviewA bewitching book * Sunday Times *Durrell has an uncanny knack of discovering human as well as animal eccentricities * Sunday Telegraph *

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Book Synopsis''For many years I had wanted to start a zoo . . . any reasonable person smitten with an ambition of this sort would have secured the zoo first and obtained the animals afterwards. but throughout my life I have rarely if ever achieved what I wanted by tackling it in a logical fashion.''A Zoo in My Luggage is Gerald Durrell''s account of his attempt to set up his own zoo, after years spent gathering animals for other zoos. Journeying to Cameroon, he and his wife collected numerous mammals, birds and reptiles, including Cholmondely the chimpanzee and Bug-eye the bush-baby.But their problems really began when they attempted to return with their exotic menagerie. Not only had they to get them safely home to Britain but they also had to find somewhere able and - most of all - willing to house them.Told with wit and a zest for all things furry and feathered, Gerald Durrell''s A Zoo in My Luggage is a brilliant account of how a pioneer of wildlife preservation came to found a new type of zoo.Trade ReviewA renegade who was right . . . He was truly a man before his time -- Sir David AttenboroughDurrell has an uncanny knack of discovering human as well as animal eccentricities * Sunday Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisFrom John Bradshaw, one of the world''s leading experts on animal behaviour, and the author of the Sunday Times Bestseller, In Defence of Dogs, Cat Sense shows us the true, surprising nature of catsCats are the most popular pet in the world. They outnumber the dog, man''s ''best friend'', by three to one. Yet today, they face unprecedented challenges in their life with humans: from conservationists who cast them as a threat to wildlife; from other cats who they compete for territory with; and from good-intentioned owners and vets with misconceptions of what they require. Cats need not so much our sympathy, but our understanding. Cat Sense offers us for the first time a truly scientific, yet deeply affectionate, picture of one of humanity''s closest and most enigmatic companions.''A mind-altering book ... delightful'' - Lynne Truss, The Times ''Exceptionally thorough ... Bradshaw''s concern and love for cats shines through ... You could buy a dozen books by the many cat whisperers, cat gurus and cat therapists that exist in our feline-obsessed modern world, but their accumulated wisdom would probably not help you understand your cats as well as Cat Sense'' - Tom Cox, Observer''An entertaining book, written in a relaxed style'' - James McConnachie, Sunday Times''Witty, surprising writing ... There is his delight in detail, a talent for dismantling myths, but most importantly an ability to build a coherent and entertaining theory from an apparent contradiction that all cat-lovers will recognise: we seek to understand cats even though it is our lack of understanding that makes us love them'' - Herald John Bradshaw is a biologist who founded and directs the world-renowned Anthrozoology Institute, based at the University of Bristol. He has been studying the behaviour of domestic cats and their owners for over 25 years, and is the author of many scientific articles, research papers and reviews.Trade ReviewThoughtful, useful and utterly absorbing . . . What this book does is give us a better understanding of the way cats perceive the world; and so how we might better accommodate ourselves to them -- Nick Lezard, Paperback of the Week * Guardian *A mind-altering book ... What makes Bradshaw's book so valuable is his positive thinking. How can we make the cat less anxious? How can we help? -- Lynne Truss * The Times *Exceptionally thorough ... Bradshaw's concern and love for cats shines through ... You could buy a dozen books by the many cat whisperers, cat gurus and cat therapists that exist in our feline-obsessed modern world, but their accumulated wisdom would probably not help you understand your cats as well as Cat Sense -- Tom Cox * Observer *Bradshaw wants us to be better owners, and draws on the latest research - much of it is his own - into feline behaviour to show us how ... He offers admirably pragmatic solutions ... An entertaining book, written in a relaxed style -- James McConnachie * Sunday Times *For any who may wonder what their feline companions are really thinking, Cat Sense, by John Bradshaw, provides the best answers that science can give * New York Times *A fascinating book every cat owner should read * Irish Times *Witty, surprising writing ... There is his delight in detail, a talent for dismantling myths, but most importantly an ability to build a coherent and entertaining theory from an apparent contradiction that all cat-lovers will recognise: we seek to understand cats even though it is our lack of understanding that makes us love them * Herald *

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Book SynopsisThe follow up to My Family and Other Animals and the second book in The Corfu Trilogy, the beloved books that inspired ITV''s television series The Durrells.In this second collection of tales concerning the Durrell family on the island of Corfu, young Gerry continues to be captivated by the fascinating flora and fauna of their adopted home - much to the bemusement and upset of his long suffering siblings and mother.Whether it''s lamp fishing by night or roving the countryside with his mentor Theodore, Gerry encounters intoxicated hedgehogs, tarantulas, dung beetles, water spiders and other animals, some of which become the family''s very unwanted pets.''A wild and amusing chronicle'' Daily Express''This book, an evocation of a budding naturalist''s life as a boy on Corfu, will delight many readers, even those who can''t stand spiders...'' Evening Standard''Delightful, charming, funny''Trade ReviewDelightful, charming, funny * The Times *A wild and amusing chronicle * Daily Express *

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Book SynopsisThe third book in The Corfu Trilogy (after My Family and Other Animals and Birds, Beasts and Relatives), the beloved books that inspired ITV''s television series The Durrells.Just before the Second World War the Durrell family decamped to the glorious, sun-soaked island of Corfu where the youngest of the four children, ten-year-old Gerald, discovered his passion for animals: toads and tortoises, bats and butterflies, scorpions and octopuses. Through glorious silver-green olive groves and across brilliant-white beaches Gerry pursued his obsession . . . causing hilarity and mayhem in his ever-tolerant family.''A wild and amusing chronicle'' Daily Express''This book, an evocation of a budding naturalist''s life as a boy on Corfu, will delight many readers, even those who can''t stand spiders...'' Evening Standard''Delightful, charming, funny'' The TimesTrade ReviewDelightful, charming, funny * The Times *A wild and amusing chronicle * Daily Express *

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Book SynopsisMy Family and Other Animals is the bewitching account of a rare and magical childhood on the island of Corfu by treasured British conservationist Gerald Durrell. Escaping the ills of the British climate, the Durrell family - acne-ridden Margo, gun-toting Leslie, bookworm Lawrence and budding naturalist Gerry, along with their long-suffering mother and Roger the dog - take off for the island of Corfu.But the Durrells find that, reluctantly, they must share their various villas with a menagerie of local fauna - among them scorpions, geckos, toads, bats and butterflies.Recounted with immense humour and charm My Family and Other Animals is a wonderful account of a rare, magical childhood.''Durrell has an uncanny knack of discovering human as well as animal eccentricities'' Sunday Telegraph''A bewitching book'' Sunday TimesTrade ReviewDurrell has an uncanny knack of discovering human as well as animal eccentricities * Sunday Telegraph *

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Book Synopsis''A little gem of a book'' Brendan O''ConnorTom Inglis and his Wheaten terrier Pepe have lived together for eighteen years: countless days of walks and play and the odd bit of chaos. Now, though, they are both getting old. To Love a Dog tells the story of Tom''s life with Pepe, and looks at the ancient connection between humans and dogs. It explores why we take on the hassle of caring for these pet animals who rely on us so completely, who can create mess and upset in our lives, and who will probably die before us, leaving us behind to grieve. This is a book for everyone who has ever loved a dog.Trade ReviewA little gem of a bookQuietly devastating ... A touching testament to the relationship between one man and his dog * Business Post *Beautiful ... I heartily recommend it to anybody, whether you have a dog or whether you don't -- John Toal * BBC Radio Ulster *It's a brilliant book ... And I can recommend it really highly -- Pat Kenny * Newstalk *Masterly ... it uses its subject to explore more than meets the eye * Dublin Review of Books *

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Book SynopsisIn Birds and Us, award-winning writer and ornithologist Tim Birkhead takes us on an epic and dazzling journey through this mutual history with birds, from the ibises mummified and deified by Ancient Egyptians to Renaissance experiments on woodpecker anatomy, from Victorian obsessions with egg collecting to the present fight to save endangered species and restore their habitats.Weaving in stories from his own life as a scientist, including far-flung expeditions to wondrous Neolithic caves in Spain and the bustling guillemot colonies of the Faroe Islands, this rich and fascinating book is the culmination of a lifetime''s research and unforgettably shows how birds shaped us, and how we have shaped them.''Birds and Us wings its way through 12,000 years of our species'' engagement with the avian world. Birkhead tells it all with delightful gusto, plaiting personal encounters with challenging historical research and bewitching scientific rigor'' Tim Dee''Thought-provoking at every turn, this inspiring, shocking, wonder-filled exploration of our relationship with birds from earliest times delivers a sobering challenge to us living with birds today'' Isabella Tree, author of Wilding''A fascinating book about the close and often surprising relationship between birds and people, written by one of our leading ornithologists'' Stephen MossTrade Review'Tim Birkhead is an eminent scientific ornithologist and a masterful science communicator. Birds and Us wings its way through 12,000 years of our species' engagement with the avian world. He tells it all with delightful gusto, plaiting personal encounters (with birds and bird-people) with challenging historical research and bewitching scientific rigor' -- Tim Dee'Thought-provoking at every turn, this inspiring, shocking, wonder-filled exploration of our relationship with birds from earliest times delivers a sobering challenge to us living with birds today' -- Isabella Tree, author of Wilding'A fascinating book about the close and often surprising relationship between birds and people, written by one of our leading ornithologists' -- Stephen Moss'A beguiling and beautifully illustrated study... extraordinary details fly off the page, from how guillemot eggs refuse to harden when boiled, to the discovery of millions of mummified ibises in Egyptian catacombs. Birkhead is a personable, often amusing, guide' * Mail on Sunday (5 star review) *'[Birkhead's] book arrives enticingly illustrated, but it's his obsessive passion which is most transfixing' * Observer *'A compelling combination of first-hand experiences, human stories, birdlore and scientific puzzles that take us through a 12,000-year pageant to the present day...the whole narrative fizzes with his infectious enthusiasm, curiosity and energy' -- Jeremy Mynott * TLS *'Birkhead's approach to writing - hard, clear sentences; deep, revelatory looking - has the same effect as his microscope, making us see the familiar with new eyes' -- Alex Preston'A brilliant and passionate celebration - how birds enrich our lives and now, more than ever, depend on us' -- Nick Davies, author of Cuckoo'Justly acclaimed for his brilliance at explaining complex science in a beguilingly lively style' * BBC Wildlife *'Tim Birkhead is an eminent scientific ornithologist and a masterful science communicator. Birds and Us wings its way through 12,000 years of our species' engagement with the avian world. He tells it all with delightful gusto, plaiting personal encounters (with birds and bird-people) with challenging historical research and bewitching scientific rigor' -- Tim Dee'Thought-provoking at every turn, this inspiring, shocking, wonder-filled exploration of our relationship with birds from earliest times delivers a sobering challenge to us living with birds today' -- Isabella Tree, author of Wilding'A fascinating book about the close and often surprising relationship between birds and people, written by one of our leading ornithologists' -- Stephen Moss'A beguiling and beautifully illustrated study... extraordinary details fly off the page, from how guillemot eggs refuse to harden when boiled, to the discovery of millions of mummified ibises in Egyptian catacombs. Birkhead is a personable, often amusing, guide' * Mail on Sunday (5 star review) *'[Birkhead's] book arrives enticingly illustrated, but it's his obsessive passion which is most transfixing' * Observer *'A compelling combination of first-hand experiences, human stories, birdlore and scientific puzzles that take us through a 12,000-year pageant to the present day...the whole narrative fizzes with his infectious enthusiasm, curiosity and energy' -- Jeremy Mynott * TLS *'Birkhead's approach to writing - hard, clear sentences; deep, revelatory looking - has the same effect as his microscope, making us see the familiar with new eyes' -- Alex Preston'A brilliant and passionate celebration - how birds enrich our lives and now, more than ever, depend on us' -- Nick Davies, author of Cuckoo'Justly acclaimed for his brilliance at explaining complex science in a beguilingly lively style' * BBC Wildlife *

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZE FOR NATURE WRITING''An honest look at the farming life today. Raw, earthy and inspiring'' - Cal Flyn, author of Islands of Abandonment''A beautifully written, incredibly timely book'' - Clover Stroud, author of My Wild and Sleepless NightsWhen barrister and author Sarah Langford left her city life behind she found herself unexpectedly back in the world of farming. It was not how she remembered. Instead, she saw farmers dealing with very different problems to those faced by her grandfather, considered a hero for having fed a starving nation after war. Now farmers faced accusations of ecological mismanagement by a hostile urban media whilst battling extreme weather and political upheaval. Yet as Sarah learned how to farm and grew closer to the land, she discovered a new generation on a path of regenerative change.In Rooted, Sarah weaves her own story around those who tTrade ReviewEnthralling ... An unignorable call to understand the challenges facing not only farming but the Earth itself. * Spectator *Absorbing, compassionate [and] galvanising. * Guardian *Langford writes so movingly of the countryside and its effect on her heart and her family. * TLS *More than a memoir; Langford manages to contain and convey the whole scale of the coming agricultural revolution. * Daily Telegraph *A refreshing perspective on a overwhelmingly masculine world * Financial Times *Sarah Langford's book on farming is really a book about healing. All of life and death is here: family, politics, nature, climate, history, humanity. Rooted is a beautifully written, powerful reminder of where we've gone wrong, what is at stake, and how we can change. I loved it. * Christie Watson, bestselling author of The Language of Kindness *Rooted offers us an honest look at the farming life today. It is not an easy way to make a living, but through Langford's personal story - and those of who she meets - we appreciate how it offers a connection with the land, and a firmer sense of our place in the world. Raw, earthy and inspiring. * Cal Flyn, author of Islands of Abandonment *Moving, startling, uplifting, galvanising and unsettling, this plainly beautiful book is one of those rare few that changes how you see the world around you: the shape of fields seen from a train, the vegetables in a supermarket chiller cabinet, the earth beneath your feet and falling through your fingers. * Ella Risbridger, author of Midnight Chicken and The Year of Miracles *A beautifully written, incredibly timely book addressing not just where our food comes from and why this matters so much, but also fundamental questions relating to our relationship with the land, and the definition of home. * Clover Stroud, author of My Wild and Sleepless Nights *Heartbreaking and hopeful, this story of a farming revival has never been more important. It opened my eyes and touched my soul * Esther Freud *A magical book of wonderful stories about how farmers think and the challenges they face. It demonstrates that farmers across the country are passionate about producing food and caring for the land. A triumph * Jake Fiennes, author of Land Healer *Rooted is a brave thing: a book that prods into the ever-widening gulf between the binaries we increasingly use to examine the world. As conversations about what we eat and where it comes from reach fever-pitch, Sarah Langford's clear-eyed, inquisitive and passionate plea for farmers and farming offers a vital understanding when it has never been so needed. I hope everyone reads it. * Alice Vincent, author of Rootbound *An eloquent and personal insight into the terrible human as well as environmental cost of cheap food and an inspiring account of the people working to heal our relationship with our habitat and ourselves. Urgent, necessary and moving. * Ben Rawlence, author of The Treeline *A fine book: heartfelt, honest and hopeful. Sarah has the knowledge and skill to help people better understand where their food comes from and why we should all care. * Helen Rebanks *Moving, intimate, tender and searing, this is a gem of a book with deep roots and fresh green shoots. * Tamsin Calidas, author of I Am An Island *A timely and optimistic book, ostensibly about why we need farming to produce food, but more deeply about how farming is done, or could be done. Refreshingly authentic, Rooted gives us a hopeful sense of a regenerative future * Juliet Blaxland, author of The Easternmost House and The Easternmost Sky *Evocative and resonant. These are stories that need to be told. * Andy Cato, Groove Armada and Wildfarmed *Poetically written and filled with compelling data about modern-day farming * Vogue *Where Rooted ploughs its own shining furrow in its humanity ... but also the gathered, inspirational stories of farmers trying to do better and greener. * John Lewis-Stempel *

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Book Synopsis''Extraordinary'' Leonard Susskind''A rare event'' Sean Carroll_____When leading theoretical physicist Professor Michael Dine was asked where you could find an accessible and authoritative book that would teach you about the Big Bang, Dark Matter, the Higgs boson and the cutting edge of physics now, he had nothing he could recommend.So he wrote it himself.In This Way to the Universe, Dine takes us on a fascinating tour through the history of modern physics - from Newtonian mechanics to quantum, from particle to nuclear physics - delving into the wonders of our universe at its largest, smallest, and within our daily lives. If you are looking for the one book to help you understand physics, written in language anyone can follow, this is it._____''A tour de force of literally all of fundamental physics'' BBC Sky at Night magazine''Everything you wanted to know about physics but were afraid to ask'' Priyamvada NatarajaTrade ReviewThis book is a rare event: a grand overview of the leading ideas in modern fundamental physics, presented by someone who is a true master -- Sean Carroll, author of From Eternity to HereThis book, written by one of the great masters of modern physics, is an extraordinary journey into what we know, what we hope to know, and what we don't know, about the universe and the laws that govern it -- Leonard Susskind, author of The Theoretical Minimum seriesIt is not an easy task to take the complexities of theoretical physics . . . and translate it into common prose. It is even more difficult to make it accessible to the lay enthusiast. The author has done an admirable job and hasn't shirked away from many of the more difficult and arcane topics. As a comprehensive and uncompromising tour de force of literally all of fundamental physics, there can be few better alternatives * BBC Sky at Night magazine *Renowned physicist Michael Dine takes us from the innards of the atom to the depths of black holes in this readable . . . celebration of science's most mind-bending discipline. The text is conversational and full of delightful asides . . . Dine's enthusiastic storytelling makes the read worth it for those who want to finally wrap their mind around string theory or the Higgs boson -- Tess Joosse * Scientific American *Michael Dine takes the reader on a fascinating and wide-ranging tour of the world of physics, both theoretical and experimental, emphasizing the remarkable discoveries that make up modern physics and the daunting challenges that remain. Dine is a leader in theoretical physics and tells the story of the last few decades based on his own personal experiences and involvement -- Edward Witten, theoretical physicist and professor at the Institute for Advanced StudyEverything you wanted to know about physics but were afraid to ask. This Way to the Universe is a fascinating and sweeping tour of the history of ideas in modern physics and cosmology from a remarkable theoretical physicist and engaging storyteller. A riveting read, the book offers a ringside view to many of the latest theoretical and experimental developments from a key protagonist. A treat for the intellectually curious -- Priyamvada Natarajan, author of Mapping the HeavensDine delivers a detailed, if often sceptical, account of the great questions and often unsatisfactory answers to problems in astro- and quantum physics, examining such topics as the Big Bang, inflation theory, galaxy formation, black holes, dark matter and energy, string theory, and supersymmetry . . . Excellent popular science * Kirkus *

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Book Synopsis''If bravery itself could write, it would write like she does'' John BergerWhy rebel?Because our footprint on the Earth has never mattered more than now. How we treat it, in the spirit of gift or of theft, has never been more important.Because we need a politics of kindness, but the very opposite is on the rise. Libertarian fascism, with its triumphal brutalism, its racism and misogyny - a politics that loathes the living world.Because nature is not a hobby. It is the life on which we depend, as Indigenous societies have never forgotten.Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars, and they are lining up now to write rebellion across the skies.From the author of Wild, this passionate, poetic manifesto for urgent rebellion is also a paean to the deep and extraordinary beauty of the natural world.Jay Griffiths helped redefine activism for a generation, combining detailed research with a poeTrade ReviewThere is just one question left today for all writers. What would Nature say to us if Nature had a voice? I know of nobody who is facing up to that question with more honesty, courage and commitment than Jay Griffiths * John Ashton, independent activist and former UK Climate Change Ambassador *

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Book SynopsisFrom grassland fairy circles to alpine nano-shrooms, the Rocky Mountain region invites mushroom hunters to range though a mycological nirvana. Accessible and scientifically up-to-date, The Essential Guide to Rocky Mountain Mushrooms by Habitat is the definitive reference for uncovering post-rain rarities and kitchen favorites alike. Dazzling full-color photos highlight the beauty of hundreds of species. Easy-to-navigate entries offer essential descriptions and tips for identifying mushrooms, including each species' edibility, odor, taste, and rumored medicinal properties. The authors organize the mushrooms according to habitat zone. This ecology-centered approach places each species among surrounding flora and fauna and provides a trove of fascinating insights on how these charismatic fungi interact with the greater living world.Trade Review"What a wonderful, engaging book. Beautifully written, informative, and based on decades of field experience. I want this book in my library!"--David Rust, President, North American Mycological Association"A truly significant contribution to the field. The presence of mushroom species unique to this region and not covered in mushroom field guides will make this book desirable to both professional and amateur mycologists."--Michael W. Beug, coauthor of Ascomycete Fungi of North America: A Mushroom Reference Guide"Attractive, authoritative, and well-written… The inclusion of many pictures of trees, wildflowers, birds, and large creature will especially appeal to general naturalist types and so the book could serve as a welcome present for that special hiker friend."--The Mycophile

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Enlivened throughout with firsthand anecdotes of the authors and other service animal handlers, this long overdue handbook is a winner." --Booklist "This book is one of a kind. Detailed, easy to read, and well researched."--Toni Ann Eames, cofounder and president of the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners"Traveling with Service Animals prepares those traveling with Service Animals to answer the call with confidence when far off horizons beckon. These well-traveled authors share their experiences, best practices, travel tips and in depth travel information to assure every journey with a Service Animal becomes a stress free, pleasurable experience. This book is a must to have to get there!"--Sheila O’Brien, President of the North American Region of Assistance Dogs International "Traveling with Service Animals is a must-read for any service dog handler interested in travel with their four-legged partner. Henry and Chris balance relatable anecdotes with practical information, helping the reader navigate legal and logistical hurdles to ultimately open up their world."--Sarah Birman, director of training and client services, Canine Companions for Independence

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Book SynopsisI don't compose pictures, I find them in the colors, patterns, and shadows of the trees in front of me. While I walk, I let my feelings well up in my consciousness. My feelings guide me to find what I'm seeing and feeling and distill it into a picture.A beloved and popular Illinois institution, The Morton Arboretum welcomes one million annual visitors to walk its trails and view the 4,200 tree species on the grounds. Peter Vagt has photographed the Arboretum for over twenty years. This collection showcases eighty-five of his favorite works, each one in full color. Vagt's close attention to place and time reflects both his profound connection to the Arboretum and its preeminence as a sanctuary for anyone in search of transcendence in nature. A celebration of The Morton Arboretum in its centenary year, Light Through the Trees is the perfect keepsake or gift for anyone who admires trees and believes in their restorative power.Trade Review"Within its more than 100 pages, Vagt takes readers through the seasons within the 1,700 acre public garden with pictures of vivid color, and tranquil scenes of nature that look as if you're peering at something fairytale-like. " --Chicago Tribune “Wonderful and interesting. This book challenges the stereotype of the Midwest as flyover country. The photographs are strong but what makes them unique is their association with the specific place.”--Justin Hamm, author of Midwestern“The photographs are both technically and compositionally great and give a beautiful overview of what you’ll find at the Arboretum. A coffee table book for anyone visiting The Morton Arboretum or anyone who loves nature.”--Tytia Habing, national photographer

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"An illuminating trek into the forests alongside highclimbers and other logging specialists. More importantly, it’s an examination of how politics, corporate boardrooms, and changing social attitudes and technology left many timber workers on the short end of the stick — and where things stand now. For all we who haven’t worked in the woods — and perhaps even for some who have — 'Strong Wind' is a fact-filled guidebook, with something interesting on every page." --Chinook Observer"Steven Beda's Strong Winds and Widow Makers is a wide-ranging and well-researched history of labor and the environment in Northwest timber country. . . . Beda presents a more nuanced account of the relationship timber workers have forged with the Northwest forests through several generations of living among them." --H-Net ReviewsTable of ContentsIntroduction: A Place in the Forest Part I: Place Chapter 1. “The New Empire” Chapter 2. “The Prodigal Yield of the Surrounding Hills” Chapter 3. “A Goodly Degree of Risk” Part II: Power Chapter 4. “Conservation . . . from the Guys Down Below” Chapter 5. “The Many Uses and Values of Forests” Part III: Problems Chapter 6. “Strong Winds and Widow Makers” Chapter 7. “Tie a Yellow Ribbon for the Working Man” Chapter 8. “We Keep Carbon-Eating Machines Healthy” Acknowledgments Notes Index

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Book SynopsisIllinois bodies of water are home to a diverse population of fishes. This title includes the twenty-eight families of fishes, identifying each family's common and scientific name and detailing its evolutionary relationships and economic importance. It is suitable for students, teachers, ichthyologists, and those who enjoy fishing and nature.Trade Review"The definitive reference for anyone, whether a fisherman or ichthyologist, who is interested in the past and present status of fishes and aquatic habitats in the Midwest." -- Illinois Wildlife "A worthy descendent of Forbes and Richardson's classic Fishes of Illinois... this updated version is a welcome addition to an icthyologist's shelf." -- Copeia "Barring ecological disaster, the fishes of Illinois should need no further recountal for eons." -- American Scientist

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Book SynopsisChronicles the author's experiences tracking down and interacting with the few remaining members of nine of North America's most endangered species. This book describes the factors, both manufactured and natural, that have led to the animals' endangerment. It examines the efforts of those who hope to pull species back from the brink of extinction.Trade Review“This is a very personal, affecting account of one man’s endeavor to come to grips with the fact that humans in the twentieth century are causing extinctions at an unprecedented rate.” -- Publishers Weekly"Beautifully composed natural history . . . simply superb."--Kirkus"Despite its litany of stark truths, Wild Echoes is anything but an oppressive book. Bergman's prose is rich and lively, his search becomes a shared adventure, his affection for ‘broken creatures' rings clear, and his perspective elevates hope above desperation."--Orion

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Book SynopsisDescribes how people and groups attempt to give meaning to the natural world that surrounds them.Trade ReviewReviews from earlier edition "In a way that has come to characterize his work, Fine ... gets serious without losing his sense of humor. As with the best of good sociology, we are quickly persuaded that by studying seemingly esoteric behavior, mushroom hunting, we can learn about basic social processes." -- Robert Bogdan, in Contemporary Sociology Many gushing reviews exist, see file

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Book SynopsisPresents the history of the zoo and; combines archival materials, photographs, and oral histories to chronicle the zoo's development and chart the unique role it has played not just in the growth of Chicago but in the establishment of zoos in cities across America.Trade Review"Lincoln Park Zoo is a Chicago treasure. For more than a century Chicago families have come here to relax, enjoy themselves, and learn more about animals. By staying free and accessible to all, the Lincoln Park Zoo serves as a vital anchor in Chicago." --Mayor Richard M. Daley "When we look at the primates, we kind of see our own emotions. We look at our fellow creatures that inhabit the earth and realize how incredible nature is. That is what the zoo brings us" --Studs Terkel "One of the greatest rewards of having a zoo of Lincoln Park's caliber is its commitment to not only educate locally, but to contribute to the understanding of animal behavior on the global level, in order to create a more sustainable future for the earth's wildlife." --Bill Kurtis, environmental documentary producer

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Book SynopsisTalking turkey about the bird you thought you knewTrade Review"Virtually every page offers a fact worth recalling."--Chicago Tribune"A lively, literate tour of turkey lore."--Wall Street Journal"Smith gives depth and authority to a subject we thought we knew. . . . The turkey covers vast terrain, and his book is invaluable to anyone in its pursuit."--Gastronomica"In his book, Smith . . . talks turkey about the folklore and natural and social history of the bird."--Ashbury Park Press"Smith . . . cuts through the myth and legend surrounding the turkey to provide a history that is loaded with fascinating facts and anecdotes with which you could regale the entire family from dawn to dusk this Thursday."--Kansas City Star

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Book SynopsisFusing general interest in mushrooming with serious scholarship, this title describes and illustrates over five hundred of the region's mushroom species. It discusses the DNA revolution in mycology and its consequences for classification and identification, as well as the need for well-documented contemporary collections of mushrooms.Trade Review"This book does what no prior book has done by describing many of the thousands of species of mushrooms found in the Midwest. Anyone studying fungi will appreciate this large collection of species documented in a single volume. Mushrooms of the Midwest is a significant contribution."--Joe McFarland, coauthor of Edible Wild Mushrooms of Illinois and Surrounding States: A Field-to-Kitchen Guide"Especially well-written and packaged. . . . from the cold conifer bogs of northern Michigan to the steamy oak forests of southern Missouri, the book offers a broad cross section of the fungi, edible and not, that can be found growing in the Midwest's diverse ecosystems."--James A. Baggett, Better Homes and Gardens"An attractive, informative book for mycologists and mushroom enthusiasts. Though it focuses on the Midwest, it will be useful for all geographic areas. . . . A beautiful presentation of a fascinating group of organisms. Highly recommended.--Choice"A significant new field guide and study manual for the novice and expert mushroomer alike. Never before has a field guide devoted chapters to the potential role of enthusiasts to the field or detailed a training manual that will ensure their contributions are useful to the professional."--Prairie Naturalist

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Book SynopsisLoaded with full color photographs and evocative descriptions, this book provides a panorama of the state's overlooked natural diversity. It helps you explore fifty preserves, restoration areas, and parks, bringing an expert view to wildlife and landscapes and looking beyond the obvious to uncover the unexpected beauty of Illinois' wild places.Trade Review"The definitive guide to Illinois wildlife."--The News-Gazette “Authors Michael Jeffords and Susan Post do an excellent job of ferreting out the best natural spots in the state. . . . Their passion and love of Illinois comes through in their descriptive and lyrical prose.”--Chicago Book Review "These authors prove in no uncertain terms there is much to explore out-of-doors in Lincoln-land."--Booklist"Very well done! Exploring Nature in Illinois is an enjoyable read providing vivid descriptions of Illinois's special natural places. . . . [Jeffords and Post] know these areas well [and] highlight the history, natural character and resource management--all of which helps the reader develop a better understanding of each place. . . . I look forward to taking their challenge and venturing out throughout the state to listen, look, hike, photograph, paddle and explore Illinois's wild places."--Elizabeth Jones, Assistant Manager, Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge"A truly gorgeous, informative, educational volume."--The Rock River Times“The goal is simple for Michael Jeffords and Susan Post: ‘We feel these special places and events should not be missed by any Illinois citizen with an interest in nature and wild things.’ As a fellow traveler in and appreciator of Illinois' wild places, I truly value the same love that Jeffords and Post show for their native state, and the expertise they bring to the book as biologists (entomologists) makes all our journeys through Illinois’s remaining places richer.”--Dale Bowman, outdoors columnist, Chicago Sun-Times"The reader is transported into the vivid, multisensory landscape of Illinois’ most beloved natural areas. History and biology intertwine on a narrative pathway unabashedly intended to inspire travel. The authors remind us there is still much beautiful wildness to love and protect in Illinois."--Stacy James, Prairie Rivers Network

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"What a wonderful, engaging book. Beautifully written, informative, and based on decades of field experience. I want this book in my library!"--David Rust, President, North American Mycological Association"A truly significant contribution to the field. The presence of mushroom species unique to this region and not covered in mushroom field guides will make this book desirable to both professional and amateur mycologists."--Michael W. Beug, coauthor of Ascomycete Fungi of North America: A Mushroom Reference Guide"Attractive, authoritative, and well-written… The inclusion of many pictures of trees, wildflowers, birds, and large creature will especially appeal to general naturalist types and so the book could serve as a welcome present for that special hiker friend."--The Mycophile

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Sitting down with this collection of tales is setting off on a series of adventures in which the reader is enticed to share vicariously one exceptional experience after another. The experiences are presented in succinct, entertaining essays and striking images--some poignant, some humorous, some bordering on the incredible, and all informative. Susan Post and Michael Jeffords speak from decades of professional experience and a lifelong passion for natural history that has endowed them with an exceptional receptiveness for nature's curious events, those events rarely witnessed and those that often pass unnoticed and unappreciated."--James B. Nardi, author of Life in the Soil: A Guide for Naturalists and Gardeners"Michael Jeffords's and Susan Post's book is unique in its rich compilation of entertaining narratives and beautiful photographs of natural history phenomena across the world. Their beautiful descriptions of the adaptations and behaviors of creatures large and small incorporate important issues such as invasion of exotic species, extinction, environmental change, and habitat destruction and will inspire others to look more closely at the natural world."--Bonnie Styles, Director Emeritus, Illinois State Museum System

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Enlivened throughout with firsthand anecdotes of the authors and other service animal handlers, this long overdue handbook is a winner." --Booklist "This book is one of a kind. Detailed, easy to read, and well researched."--Toni Ann Eames, cofounder and president of the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners"Traveling with Service Animals prepares those traveling with Service Animals to answer the call with confidence when far off horizons beckon. These well-traveled authors share their experiences, best practices, travel tips and in depth travel information to assure every journey with a Service Animal becomes a stress free, pleasurable experience. This book is a must to have to get there!"--Sheila O’Brien, President of the North American Region of Assistance Dogs International "Traveling with Service Animals is a must-read for any service dog handler interested in travel with their four-legged partner. Henry and Chris balance relatable anecdotes with practical information, helping the reader navigate legal and logistical hurdles to ultimately open up their world."--Sarah Birman, director of training and client services, Canine Companions for Independence

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Book SynopsisThe second edition of the Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of Illinois offers up-to-date information on the state's 102 species of frogs and toads, salamanders, turtles, lizards, and snakes. Detailed descriptions by the authors include habitats, distinguishing features, behaviors, and other facts, while revised range maps and full-color photographs help users recognize animals in the field. In addition, an identification key and easy-to-navigate page layouts guide readers through extensive background material on each species' population, diet, predators, reproduction, and conservation status. A one-of-a-kind resource, the Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of Illinois is a definitive guide aimed at biologists, teachers, students, wildlife specialists, natural resource managers, conservationists, law enforcement officials, landowners, hobbyists, and everyone else eager to explore herpetology and nature in the Prairie State.Trade Review"A fantastic resource for all seeking to study the 102 herpetofauna species found in Illinois." --Midwest Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation"The second edition of the Guide is an attractive, up-to-date contribution to our understanding of Illinois’ herpetofauna, and is well worth the modest price." --Bulletin of the Chicago Herpetological Society"With thoughtfully revised descriptions, expanded natural history accounts, and updated range maps and photos, this guide offers something for everyone and will be a relevant resource for natural historians and herp enthusiasts alike."--Bill Peterman, The Ohio State University"Regardless of your level of knowledge regarding Illinois's reptiles and amphibians, you'll definitely want a copy of this in your backpack or on your bookshelf. " --Illinois Outdoor News

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Citizen environmentalists will be encouraged by the variety of approaches used to accomplish ecological and developmental goals far beyond this north-central Illinois watershed." --Library Journal"This finely crafted paperback edition is perfect for contemplative evenings and mornings on the porch. Perfect for those times when we need a little inspiration and feel connected and part of something bigger in our natural world. For those of us already involved with wetland conservation and restoration, it can be a much- needed pick- me- up when it seems like nothing is going right and the fight gets a little too burdensome. In this book, you will find the inspiration to keep going, fighting, and surviving." --Outdoor Illinois"Turning the tide against environmental catastrophe has to be a team effort, and not everyone has the time and resources to attempt projects of the scale described in the book. But we all can do something, and I hope this book will provide inspiration for all who follow." -- Community Word“The stories illustrated in this great work are inspiring profiles of pioneers who are taking up the cause of wetland restoration. These guardians are immersed in a cause that affects every living thing in one way or another and should compel all readers to action.”--Doug Schoenrock, President, Ducks Unlimited

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Book Synopsis Winner of the 2022 Philip Taft Labor History Book Prize Often cast as villains in the Northwest''s environmental battles, timber workers in fact have a connection to the forest that goes far beyond jobs and economic issues. Steven C. Beda explores the complex true story of how and why timber-working communities have concerned themselves with the health and future of the woods surrounding them. Life experiences like hunting, fishing, foraging, and hiking imbued timber country with meanings and values that nurtured a deep sense of place in workers, their families, and their communities. This sense of place in turn shaped ideas about protection that sometimes clashed with the views of environmentalists--or the desires of employers. Beda''s sympathetic, in-depth look at the human beings whose lives are embedded in the woods helps us understand that timber communities fought not just to protect their livelihood, but because they saw the forest as a vital part of themTrade Review"An illuminating trek into the forests alongside highclimbers and other logging specialists. More importantly, it’s an examination of how politics, corporate boardrooms, and changing social attitudes and technology left many timber workers on the short end of the stick — and where things stand now. For all we who haven’t worked in the woods — and perhaps even for some who have — 'Strong Wind' is a fact-filled guidebook, with something interesting on every page." --Chinook Observer"Steven Beda's Strong Winds and Widow Makers is a wide-ranging and well-researched history of labor and the environment in Northwest timber country. . . . Beda presents a more nuanced account of the relationship timber workers have forged with the Northwest forests through several generations of living among them." --H-Net ReviewsTable of ContentsIntroduction: A Place in the Forest Part I: Place Chapter 1. “The New Empire” Chapter 2. “The Prodigal Yield of the Surrounding Hills” Chapter 3. “A Goodly Degree of Risk” Part II: Power Chapter 4. “Conservation . . . from the Guys Down Below” Chapter 5. “The Many Uses and Values of Forests” Part III: Problems Chapter 6. “Strong Winds and Widow Makers” Chapter 7. “Tie a Yellow Ribbon for the Working Man” Chapter 8. “We Keep Carbon-Eating Machines Healthy” Acknowledgments Notes Index

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Book SynopsisFocuses on identifying and quantifying the major vulnerabilities to climate change in the Midwestern United StatesTrade ReviewThis volume is well organized, written, and edited . . . Recommended. * Choice *When writing about climate change, scientists are often challenged with focusing on either specific academic audiences or more general readers. In rare instances, authors and editors can meet the needs of both groups. It is such a case with Climate Change in the Midwest. . . The contributors are among the best in their field. . . . The lessons here will separate the winners and losers of the future. It is my hope that enough people read this book so that a positive impact is realized.June 2014 * Quarterly Review of Biology *Table of ContentsTable of contentsChapter 1 Climate Change Impacts, Risks, Vulnerability and Adaptation: An Introduction ....... 9Chapter 2 The Midwestern USA: Socio-Economic Context and Physical Climate .................... 19Chapter 3 Vulnerability and Adaptability of Agricultural Systems in the Southeast USA toClimate Variability and Climate Change .......................................................................... 64Chapter 4 Uncertainty and Hysteresis in Adapting to Global Climate Change .......................... 76Chapter 5 Climate - Agriculture Vulnerability Assessment for the Midwestern United States .. 86Chapter 6 Potential Future Impacts of Climate on Row Crop Production in the Great LakesRegion ............................................................................................................................. 101Chapter 7 Vulnerability of Soil Carbon Reservoirs in the Midwest to Climate Change .......... 114Chapter 8 Michigan's Tart Cherry Industry: Vulnerability to Climate Variability and Change........................................................................................................................................ 129Chapter 9 Climate Change Vulnerability and Impacts on Human Health ................................ 147Chapter 10 Intra-Urban Variations in Vulnerability Associated with Extreme Heat Events inRelationship to a Changing Climate ............................................................................... 164Chapter 11 Historical and Projected Changes in Human Heat Stress in the Midwestern USA 177Chapter 12 Vulnerability of the Electricity and Water Sectors to Climate Change in the Midwest........................................................................................................................................ 192Chapter 13 The Drought Risk Management Paradigm in the Context of Climate Change ...... 212Chapter 14 Local Adaptation to Changing Flood Vulnerability in the Midwest ...................... 226Chapter 15 The Response of Great Lakes Water Levels and Potential Impacts of Future ClimateScenarios ......................................................................................................................... 240Chapter 16 Vulnerability of the Energy System to Extreme Wind Speeds and Icing ............... 252Chapter 17 Climate Change Impacts, Risks, Vulnerability and Adaptation in the MidwesternUnited States: What Next? .............................................................................................. 271

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Book SynopsisA book for everyone fascinated by the huge beasts that once roamed the earthTrade ReviewIn a look at the biggest of these wonders . . . Prothero delves into these overlooked big guys, the most massive mammals to ever walk the Earth . . . [and] cuts across every aspect of paleontology to tell the story of these vanished giants. Chapters range from entertaining recounting of discoverers . . . to scholarly descriptions of the rules that biologists must follow to name a new species or estimate a vanished rhino's weight. * USA Today *Through copious background details, Prothero celebrates great and lesser-known names in the history of paleontology, as well as geological and taxonomic nitty gritty. * National Geographic Laelaps *Within this slim tome . . . Prothero packs in an encyclopedic summary of indrithocere anatomy and biology . . . Highly recommended. * Choice *Clearly, this book is a milestone on the subject, one of those books that are a classic already at their first appearance. * Priscum *Table of ContentsPreface1. Quicksand!2. 30 Million Years Ago in Asia3. "New Conquest of Central Asia"4. Rhinoceroses without Horns5. Building a Giant6. What's in a Name?7. Life among GiantsBibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisProvides a comprehensive review of the fossil record of the Carpathian Basin in modern-day HungaryTrade Review[This] is an insightfully written treatise on the geology and paleontology of the region that many in the field do not have full knowledge of, but even though this is geared toward those readers with a scientific background, it is also set up so that general readers can understand. * Quarterly Review of Biology *This book fills a gap in the geological texts on the Carpathians, especially in Hungary, and offers a valuable wealth of geological-paleontological and scientific-historical information from the Ordovician to the Pleistocene. This extensive and relatively inexpensive work is an unrivaled recommendation for amateurs and amateur geologists / palaeontologists. [translated from German] * Zentralblatt für Geologie und Paläontologie *Fossils of the Carpathian Region. . . is beautifully produced with high-quality color illustrations throughout and an exhaustive bibliography and index. The book will be at home both in a university and on a coffee table. . . . Highly recommended. * Choice *Table of ContentsDetailed Outline of the TextList of Maps PrefaceAcknowledgmentsIntroduction: Rocks, Fossils, Events, Ages1. The Paleozoic2. The Triassic3. The Jurassic4. The Cretaceous5. The Cenozoic6. The Oligocene7. The Early and Middle Miocene8. The Late Miocene9. The Pliocene10. The Quaternary11. Museums and CollectionsEpilogueGlossaryMapsReferencesIndex

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Book SynopsisDuring the Early Cretaceous, lakes, meandering streams, and flood plains covered the region where the current foothills of Rioja now exist. This book provides a synthesis of that research in English. It offers descriptions of sites, footprints, and trackways, and explains what these prints and tracks can tell us about the animals who made them.Trade ReviewFelix Perez-Lorente has to be congratulated for sharing his career-long experience in a book that will be the reference for La Rioja and that will undoubtedly serve for the study of tracksites around the world. It is a worthy read for anyone interested in - or fascinated by - these exceptional inchological wonders and the animals that made them. * Geobios *Table of Contents1. La Rioja Footprints2. Ichnology3. The Tracksites 4. Conservation of the Tracksites5. SummaryReferencesIndex

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"A Guide to Natural Areas of Southern Indiana fills a void in available guidebooks geared to nature-based tourism. You would need to do hours and hours of internet research to compile just a small portion of what this one book provides. This is an excellent guidebook and offers a big-picture view of southern Indiana's diverse environments. There is something for everyone-from botany and geology to history-which makes the book extremely useful for both families and ecotour groups as well as the lone explorer seeking out a new experience." -Cheryl Ann Munson, Indiana University "Steven Higgs has done an excellent job of not only compiling the places, but also detailing the important flora and fauna located therein, along with recreational opportunities for visitors to these preserves. I cannot imagine the amount of time that went into exploring all these places! Anyone with a general interest in the outdoors, including hikers, birders, campers and fishermen, will find this book useful." -Johnny Molloy, author of Top Trails Great Smoky Mountains National ParkTable of ContentsForeword by James Alexander ThomPrefaceAcknowledgementsIntroductionNatural Area EtiquettePart 1. The Land StewardsPart 2. The Southern Indiana landscapePart 3. DestinationsSection 1Section 2Section 3Section 4Part 4. Supplementary MaterialsSpecies listGlossaryResourcesIndex

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Book SynopsisTrade Review[This] translation makes it easy to see why Arsenyev maintains a fan base among Russian readers: his travelogue is both romantic and closely observed, and he is an appealing narrator, courageous but more than willing to admit faults and share credit. * The New Yorker *Excellent and accessible . . . Slaght follows in Arsenyev's snowy, muddy footsteps — preserving, but also teaching others to identify and appreciate what is unique. Thus the pleasure of reading his new translation lies in the details, which are abundant but never frivolous. * LA Review of Books *A translation that, in its fluency and readability, stands comparison with English-language classics of the genre. . . . Slaght has done Arsenyev proud. The smooth translation doesn't read like one: it is seamless and colloquial while remaining entirely in tune with the style of period in which it was written. * Asian Review of Books *Arsenyev's narrative in Jonathan Slaght's fine translation should inspire us all to treasure and protect these remarkable places. * Times Literary Supplement *Table of ContentsForeword: The Unknown Arsenyev / Ivan YegorchevPreface to the 1921 EditionTranslator's AcknowledgementsTranslator's IntroductionPart I: The 1902 Expedition1. The Glass Valley2. Meeting Dersu3. The Boar Hunt4. The Incident at a Korean Village5. The Lower Reaches of the Lefu6. The Blizzard at Lake Khanka7. Parting Ways with DersuPart II: The 1906 Expedition8. The 1906 Expedition—Preparations and Equipment9. At the Departure Site10. Up the Ussuri11. From Chzhumtayza to the Village Zagornaya12. The Route across the Mountains to the Village of Koksharovka13. The Fudzin River Valley14. Through the Taiga15. The Great Forest16. Across the Sikhote-Alin to the Sea17. The Villages of Fudin and Permskoye18. Saint Olga Bay19. Trip to the Sydagou River20. Adventure on the Arzamasovka River21. Saint Vladimir Bay22. The Tadusha River23. Dersu Uzala24. Amba25. The Li-Fudzin26. The Path along the Noto River27. An Accursed Place28. Return to the Sea29. Up the Tyutikhe River30. The Red Deer Rut31. The Bear Hunt32. From the Mutukhe River to Seokhobe33. An Encounter with the Khunkhuz34. Fire in the Forest35. The Winter Expedition36. To the Iman37. A Dangerous River Voyage38. Plight39. From Vagunbe to Parovoza40. The Final TripAppendix I: Historical and Current Names of Landmarks and SettlementsAppendix II: Biographical InformationBibliographyIndex of Plants and AnimalsIndex

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Book SynopsisGlobal climate change is undeniable. Over the next few decades, as sea levels rise, storms intensify, and drought and desertification run rampant, hundreds of millions of civilians will abandon their homes, cities, and even entire countries. What will happen to these massive numbers of environmental refugees? Where will they go, what rights will they have, and who will take care of them?Over 200 million people in Asian countries live on land that will be affected by rising seas. Picture Pakistan, India, and Chinaall nuclear powersskirmishing at their borders over access to shared rivers and farmable land with former coastal areas now submerged. Imagine tens of thousands of Pacific and Indian Ocean islanders cast adrift by waves that have drowned their nations, and more than 100,000 Caribbean islanders forced to leave submerged towns. Consider the complete abandonment of Miami Beach and other coastal communities up and down the Americas. At the same time, hundreds of millions will be deTrade ReviewA must read for policymakers and those in positions of power, especially the ones who remain in a state of denial about climate change and refuse to do enough to address the crisis. * The Hindu *"In Rising Tides, the authors sound the alarm, not only on behalf of millions of displaced souls, but also because, as they note, 'Every one of us is or could be a migrant.'" - * Hill Rag Magazine *This chilling and urgent call to action spares no detail in its mission to present the facts on a looming humanitarian disaster. Climate-change warning messages too often focus on the environment without going into specifics of how humans will be hurt by global warming. Rising Tides singlehandedly rectifies this issue. . . . Thanks to an equal reliance on current events and models, as well as the authors' thorough understanding of geopolitics, the case is beyond convincing. * Foreword Reviews *Table of ContentsPrefacePart 1Climate Refugees in the 21st CenturyIntroduction – Rising Tide: Climate Refugees in the 21st CenturyChapter 1: Seeking Shelter From the StormChapter 2: RefugeedomPart 2Pressure Points and Regional AnalysisChapter 3: What Happens When Your Country Drowns?Chapter 4: The Crisis Hits Home: Climate Refugees In The United StatesChapter 5: Latin America: Land Of Rain, Land Of ThirstChapter 6: Africa: Environmental Conflicts In A War-Torn LandChapter 7: Middle East: The Boiling Point Of Climate Change And National SecurityChapter 8: Asia: The Looming CrisisPart 3 Policy Implications and ConclusionsChapter 9: Current Affairs and Climate RefugeesChapter 10: The Shape Of Things To Come

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewA must read for policymakers and those in positions of power, especially the ones who remain in a state of denial about climate change and refuse to do enough to address the crisis. * The Hindu *"In Rising Tides, the authors sound the alarm, not only on behalf of millions of displaced souls, but also because, as they note, 'Every one of us is or could be a migrant.'" - * Hill Rag Magazine *This chilling and urgent call to action spares no detail in its mission to present the facts on a looming humanitarian disaster. Climate-change warning messages too often focus on the environment without going into specifics of how humans will be hurt by global warming. Rising Tides singlehandedly rectifies this issue. . . . Thanks to an equal reliance on current events and models, as well as the authors' thorough understanding of geopolitics, the case is beyond convincing. * Foreword Reviews *Table of ContentsPrefacePart 1Climate Refugees in the 21st CenturyIntroduction – Rising Tide: Climate Refugees in the 21st CenturyChapter 1: Seeking Shelter From the StormChapter 2: RefugeedomPart 2Pressure Points and Regional AnalysisChapter 3: What Happens When Your Country Drowns?Chapter 4: The Crisis Hits Home: Climate Refugees In The United StatesChapter 5: Latin America: Land Of Rain, Land Of ThirstChapter 6: Africa: Environmental Conflicts In A War-Torn LandChapter 7: Middle East: The Boiling Point Of Climate Change And National SecurityChapter 8: Asia: The Looming CrisisPart 3 Policy Implications and ConclusionsChapter 9: Current Affairs and Climate RefugeesChapter 10: The Shape Of Things To Come

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewIs Birdsong Music? is an absorbing and delightfully written field diary as much as it is a technical analysis of sound and a philosophical discussion of the concept of music . . . Hollis Taylor's book encourages us to recognise the importance and interconnectedness of all species. She challenges the dominant view that humans represent the pinnacle of all life and can act independently of the environment. The cultural connection between species is integral to environmental connection. * RealTime *Is Birdsong Music?, a ground-breaking study of the songs of the pied butcherbird, is intellectually engaging and also very entertaining as a fieldwork memoir. * The Music Trust *"This book, for me, was a revelation: so much careful, vivid observation and description from all over Australia. It shows our bird life to be unique, talented, and above all, surprising. Music to my eyes." * ABC-Radio National *Table of ContentsForeword by Philip Kitcher1. An Outback Epiphany2. Songbird Studies3. The Nature of Transcription and the Transcription of Nature4. Notes and Calls: A Taste for Diversity5. Song Development: A Taste for Complexity6. Musicality and the Art of Song: A Taste for Beauty7. Border Conflicts at Music's Definition8. Facts to Suit Theories9. Too Many Theories and Not Enough Birdsong10. Songbirds as Colleagues and ContemporariesAcknowledgementsList of AbbreviationsGlossaryNotation and Supplement ConventionsBibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewIs Birdsong Music? is an absorbing and delightfully written field diary as much as it is a technical analysis of sound and a philosophical discussion of the concept of music . . . Hollis Taylor's book encourages us to recognise the importance and interconnectedness of all species. She challenges the dominant view that humans represent the pinnacle of all life and can act independently of the environment. The cultural connection between species is integral to environmental connection. * RealTime *Is Birdsong Music?, a ground-breaking study of the songs of the pied butcherbird, is intellectually engaging and also very entertaining as a fieldwork memoir. * The Music Trust *"This book, for me, was a revelation: so much careful, vivid observation and description from all over Australia. It shows our bird life to be unique, talented, and above all, surprising. Music to my eyes." * ABC-Radio National *Table of ContentsForeword by Philip Kitcher1. An Outback Epiphany2. Songbird Studies3. The Nature of Transcription and the Transcription of Nature4. Notes and Calls: A Taste for Diversity5. Song Development: A Taste for Complexity6. Musicality and the Art of Song: A Taste for Beauty7. Border Conflicts at Music's Definition8. Facts to Suit Theories9. Too Many Theories and Not Enough Birdsong10. Songbirds as Colleagues and ContemporariesAcknowledgementsList of AbbreviationsGlossaryNotation and Supplement ConventionsBibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewEastbound through Siberia, a work newly translated to English by two emerita language professors from the University of Alaska Anchorage, adds fascinating details to the life of Steller and his travels and discoveries just before joining Bering in Kamchatka to set sail. . . . This new addition to understanding the life of Steller and 18th-century conditions in Siberia will be welcomed by historians, ethnographers, naturalists and armchair adventurers. -- Nancy Lord * Anchorage Daily News *What emerges is a remarkable window into lifeboth human and animalin 18th century Siberia. Due to the secret nature of the expedition, Steller's findings were hidden in Russian archives for centuries, but the near-daily entries he recorded on journeys from the town of Irkutsk to Kamchatka are presented here in English for the first time. RECOMMENDATION: For those with an interest in Georg Steller and/or Russian history. -- Ian Paulsen * Birdbooker Report *I want to acknowledge the miracles the translators have performed with this material, synthesizing and rearranging it in ways that make sense of Steller's probable intentions for later editing. -- Ryan Jones - University Of Oregon * H-NET Reviews Humanities & Social Sciences *Table of ContentsContentsForeword: The Steller Legacy / Jonathan C. SlaghtTranslators' PrefaceAcknowledgmentsIntroductionInstructions for Georg Wilhelm Steller from February 18, 1739, from Yeniseysk / Johann Georg Gmelin and Gerhard Friedrich MüllerPart I: Description of Irkutsk and Its Surroundings1. About Irkutsk and Its Surroundings2. About Irkutsk Itself3. About the Public Offices4. About the Clergy5. About the Chinese Trade and Chinese Trade Goods6. About Customs and Lifestyle in Irkutsk7. About Transbaikalia8. Report from the Uda River Part II: Travel Journal from Irkutsk to Kamchatka9. From Irkutsk to Ust'Ilginskaya (3/4-13)10. From Ust'Ilginskaya to Kirensk (3/14-5/1)11. From Kirensk to Yakutsk (5/2-24)12. In Yakutsk and Yarmanka (5/25-6/19)13. From Yarmanka to the Amga River (6/20-7/2)14. From the Amga to the Yuna River (7/3-21)15. From the Yuna River to Yudoma Cross (7/22-8/8)16. From Yudoma Cross to Okhotsk (8/9-13)17. In Okhotsk (8/14-26)18. Salmon Fishing and Preserving (8/27)19. From Okhotsk to Bol'sheretsk (8/28-9/16)AfterwordAppendix A: Georg Wilhelm Steller's Life 11-20 – '18Appendix B: Schnurbuch Account Ledger Appendix C: Letter to Johann Daniel SchumacherAppendix D: Plants Named After StellerGlossary of Foreign WordsGlossary of PeopleBibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewEastbound through Siberia, a work newly translated to English by two emerita language professors from the University of Alaska Anchorage, adds fascinating details to the life of Steller and his travels and discoveries just before joining Bering in Kamchatka to set sail. . . . This new addition to understanding the life of Steller and 18th-century conditions in Siberia will be welcomed by historians, ethnographers, naturalists and armchair adventurers. -- Nancy Lord * Anchorage Daily News *What emerges is a remarkable window into lifeboth human and animalin 18th century Siberia. Due to the secret nature of the expedition, Steller's findings were hidden in Russian archives for centuries, but the near-daily entries he recorded on journeys from the town of Irkutsk to Kamchatka are presented here in English for the first time. RECOMMENDATION: For those with an interest in Georg Steller and/or Russian history. -- Ian Paulsen * Birdbooker Report *I want to acknowledge the miracles the translators have performed with this material, synthesizing and rearranging it in ways that make sense of Steller's probable intentions for later editing. -- Ryan Jones - University Of Oregon * H-NET Reviews Humanities & Social Sciences *Table of ContentsContentsForeword: The Steller Legacy / Jonathan C. SlaghtTranslators' PrefaceAcknowledgmentsIntroductionInstructions for Georg Wilhelm Steller from February 18, 1739, from Yeniseysk / Johann Georg Gmelin and Gerhard Friedrich MüllerPart I: Description of Irkutsk and Its Surroundings1. About Irkutsk and Its Surroundings2. About Irkutsk Itself3. About the Public Offices4. About the Clergy5. About the Chinese Trade and Chinese Trade Goods6. About Customs and Lifestyle in Irkutsk7. About Transbaikalia8. Report from the Uda River Part II: Travel Journal from Irkutsk to Kamchatka9. From Irkutsk to Ust'Ilginskaya (3/4-13)10. From Ust'Ilginskaya to Kirensk (3/14-5/1)11. From Kirensk to Yakutsk (5/2-24)12. In Yakutsk and Yarmanka (5/25-6/19)13. From Yarmanka to the Amga River (6/20-7/2)14. From the Amga to the Yuna River (7/3-21)15. From the Yuna River to Yudoma Cross (7/22-8/8)16. From Yudoma Cross to Okhotsk (8/9-13)17. In Okhotsk (8/14-26)18. Salmon Fishing and Preserving (8/27)19. From Okhotsk to Bol'sheretsk (8/28-9/16)AfterwordAppendix A: Georg Wilhelm Steller's Life 11-20 – '18Appendix B: Schnurbuch Account Ledger Appendix C: Letter to Johann Daniel SchumacherAppendix D: Plants Named After StellerGlossary of Foreign WordsGlossary of PeopleBibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"There is a South American lost world waiting to be explored, one which allows at least indirect glimpses of living dinosaurs. It comprises the Rio do Peixe Basins of northeastern Brazil, which preserve one of the world's great assemblages of fossil footprints and trackways of dinosaurs and other Mesozoic land animals. Such trace fossils hold a special fascination for paleontologists like myself who so desperately want to know what living dinosaurs were like, because they record moments in the lives of the long-dead animals, revealing how they moved and interacted with each other. Leonardi and Carvalho will be our guides, leading us through the lost world of the Rio do Peixe Basins. We will see many wonders: the traces made by dinosaurs and other long-dead animals with our physical eye, and in our mind's eye the fearfully great reptiles themselves. Prepare yourself for a scientific adventure!"—James O. Farlow, author of Noah's Ravens: Interpreting the Makers of Tridactyl Dinosaur Footprints"This is an incredibly comprehensive, detailed, look at the dinosaur tracks discovered from Brazil. Leonardi and Carvalho draw on their decades of experience to methodically describe the tracks and tracksites from the country. Tracksites and specimens are systematically detailed with numerous photos, drawings, and reconstructions, and are placed in their wider geological and palaeobiological context. The authors are able to discuss dinosaur footprints that might have been first documented decades ago, while remaining cognizant of the most recent advances in dinosaur ichnology. The result is a volume that will form the basis of much future research, providing data and prompting new hypotheses."—Peter L. Falkingham, Liverpool John Moores University"When it comes to paleobiology, no fossil brings you closer to the organism than its tracks—those muddy marks of Cretaceous dinosaurs standing, striding, plodding, and even running amount to a rich record of ecosystems brought lovingly detailed by Leonardi and Carvalho. Dinosaur Tracks from Brazil lovingly combines all the detailed context that a specialist craves with beautiful artwork that brings the Brazilian dinosaurs to life."—Andrew B. Heckert, Appalachian State UniversityTable of ContentsForeword, by James O. FarlowAcknowledgments1. Introduction2. Methods3. Geological Context of the Footprints4. The Ichnofaunas of the Rio do Peixe Basins and Their Trackmakers5. Data Tables and Statistics6. The Trackmakers of the Ichnofaunas of the Rio do Peixe Basins7. Behavior of the Rio do Peixe Basins Dinosaurs8. The Dinosaur Community9. Invertebrate Trails and Traces10. Localities Visited Without Vertebrate Ichnological Results11. Protections ActsFarewellReferencesAppendix A: Glossary of Brazilian Geographical Names and TermsAppendix B: Dates of the Discovery of the Tracksites and Their DiscoverersAppendix C: Codes and LocalitiesIndex

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