Natural History Books

Book SynopsisThis revised edition of the classic guide Keeping a Nature Journal has a fresh look, with full-colour art and expanded sections on journaling styles, drawing techniques, and how nature journaling can be a valuable means of self-expression and a tool for fostering mindfulness and connection with the natural world. Originally published in 2000 with endorsements from E.O. Wilson and Jane Goodall, Clare Walker Leslie's Keeping a Nature Journal was at the forefront of the nature observation and journaling movement. Leslie's approach has long been acclaimed for its accessible style of teaching people to see, witness, and appreciate the wonders of nature, and her classic guide is still used by individuals, groups, and educators ranging from elementary school teachers to college-level instructors. The third edition features more of Leslie's step-by-step drawing techniques, a new selection of pages from her own journals (which she's kept for 40 years), and an expanded range of prompts for observing particular aspects of the natural world in any location. With an emphasis on learning to see and observe, Leslie shows how drawing nature doesn't require special skills, artistic ability, or even nature knowledge, and it is a tool everyone can use to record observations and experience the benefits of a stronger connection to the natural world. AUTHOR: Clare Walker Leslie is a nationally known wildlife artist, author, and educator. For more than 30 years, she has been connecting people of all ages to nature using drawing, writing, and observation of the outdoors. Her books include the bestsellers Keeping a Nature Journal and The Nature Connection, as well as The Curious Nature Guide, Nature Journal, and Drawn to Nature. She lives with her husband and family in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Granville, Vermont. SELLING POINTS: Update of a classic bestseller. First published in 2000, Keeping a Nature Journal has 126,000 copies in print and is widely acclaimed as a classic guidebook on the topic. Since its first printing, author Clare Walker Leslie has become a prominent, passionate advocate, teacher, and practitioner of nature journaling as she's travelled and taught workshops around the world. Provides people of all ages with an accessible way to connect with nature. From forest bathing to nature-deficit disorder, evidence of the health and emotional benefits gained by developing a connection to nature is stronger than ever, for both adults and children. Leslie has developed drawing and observation instructions, prompts, and guidance that effectively engage people of all ages and abilities - no special artistic skill or nature knowledge required. New features include expanded drawing instructions and more inspiration from the author's personal notebooks. This third edition features new selections from the author's own nature journals, which she's kept daily for more than 40 years, along with her easy-to-follow drawing techniques and expanded sections on mindfulness, reflective writing, and citizen science.

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Book SynopsisLook up...The Art of Stargazing is the ultimate insider's guide to the night sky in which award-winning space scientist and The Sky at Night presenter Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock shares her expertise and unique insights into the marvellous world of stars. Take a tour of the 88 constellations and explore the science, history, culture and romanticism behind these celestial bodies.In this must-have handbook for budding stargazers - and anyone looking for a little more wonder in their lives - Maggie will help you to identify stars and teach you the basics of naked-eye observation, offering fascinating facts plus advice on kit, 'dark sky' locations and much more. Also included are beautiful illustrations to accompany each constellation and an easy-to-read sky map. With Maggie by your side, the night sky will truly come alive.

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Book Synopsis**AS HEARD ON BBC RADIO 4**''A master nature writer'' (New York Times) provides the ultimate natural, social and cultural history of the Arctic landscape.The author of Horizon''s classic work explores the Arctic landscape and the hold it continues to exert on our imagination.WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY ROBERT MACFARLANELopez''s journey across our frozen planet is a celebration of the Arctic in all its guises. A hostile landscape of ice, freezing oceans and dazzling skyscapes. Home to millions of diverse animals and people. The stage to massive migrations by land, sea and air. The setting of epic exploratory voyages. In crystalline prose, Lopez captures the magic of the Arctic: the essential mystery and beauty of a continent that has enchanted man''s imagination and ambition for centuries.''The Arctic dreamland seen and described by a writer of rare perception and poetic descriptive power... The pages sparkle with Arctic light'' ScotsmanTrade ReviewThe Arctic dreamland seen and described by a writer of rare perception and poetic descriptive power... The pages sparkle with Arctic light -- David Stephen * Scotsman *A marvellous evocation of the Arctic by a naturalist, who is part poet... A magical book to read slowly and savour -- Gillian Somerville-Large * Irish Times *Barry Lopez by some rare magic manages to combine a poetic vision with accuracy of observation; and although he writes mainly about Eskimos, polar bears, and other denizens of the frozen north, many of his perceptive insights apply the world over -- Paula Johnson * Mail on Sunday *Dazzling... Treats the distant, snowy world of the Arctic as a place that exists not only in the mathematics of geography but also in the terra incognita of our imaginations -- Michiko Kakutani * New York Times *By what comes close to sheer magic, the magic of a highly literate and perceptive naturalist, Barry Lopez has transformed the austerity and Sibelius-like gloom of the tundra and great ice walls into a living pageant of high latitudes. This book will become a classic within its genre * John Hillaby *

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Book SynopsisExperience the joy of discovering the natural world around you with this beautiful pocket guide to British trees, an inspiration and treat designed to enthral all nature lovers.This comprehensive guide to British trees contains some of the finest original tree illustrations ever produced. Covering all tree species commonly found outside the major arboretums, the text highlights the most important things to look for to aid fast and accurate identification, and the illustrations are annotated with essential features.The introduction contains illustrations of the main leaves, buds, and firs you are likely to find, which also provide the starting point for identification by leading you to a ''key'' species. Within each tree family there is a list of key species and a guide to the most important features to look for when identifying a particular tree from that family. Individual species are then thoroughly described and a detailed illustration features on the same page.This is the ideal pocTrade Review‘Entertaining and informative. A visual delight' BBC Wildlife 'Outstanding colour paintings … precise and accurate' The Times 'David More's illustrations astonish by their beauty and detail' New Scientist 'A must for all tree huggers and lovers' Ecologist 'In the firmament of tree specialists, Dr Owen Johnson is a definite star' The Field

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Book SynopsisThe sixth title in the bestselling Collins Guide series, this book covers the fungi of the British Isles, with considerable relevance for Europe and the wider temperate world.Leading mycological artists have been specially commissioned to ensure accurate, detailed illustrations. Where possible, species are described and illustrated on the same page, with up-to-date authoritative text aiding identification. Nearly 2,400 species are illustrated in full colour, with detailed notes on how to correctly identify them, including details of similar, confusing species. Illustrations of young and mature fruiting bodies are included where necessary, and key features are highlighted for quick and easy reference.Written by one of Europe''s leading mycologists and horticultural scientists, Stefan Buczacki, and illustrated by two of the world''s leading natural history illustrators, Chris Shields and Denys Ovenden, this is the ultimate field guide for mushroom and toadstool lovers.Trade Review‘What a great book. It adds a needed publication for the amateur's library which goes beyond other field guides. The illustrations of crust fungi are excellent and it is a pleasure to see them receive their rightful place in a fungal manual. I am sure you will stimulate many to look at the lower Basidiomycetes in a different light and overcome that fear of looking for and at them. Great stuff! […] A book which should be in lots of naturalists’ hands, not just field mycologists. I would gladly recommend [it] to anyone attending my forays and to my apprentices.’ Prof Roy Watling MBE, DSc., FRSE [Former Head of Mycology and Plant Pathology and sometime Acting Regius Keeper at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh] ‘There are some great images here to delight us […] this book will bring hundreds of new, rare or unusual species to the attention of the general reader, with the added bonus of their up-to-date names.’ Field Mycology journal (British Mycological Society)

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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 SynopsisThe RSPB Handbook of Scottish Birds is the ideal reference for keen birdwatchers and visitors to Scotland alike, and this fully updated second edition is richer and more comprehensive than ever. Over 250 species are covered in detail with each account including information on identification, voice, habits, habitat, food, breeding, ecology, seasonal movements, population and conservation. More than 1,000 superb colour illustrations by some of the world''s leading bird artists are integrated into the text for easy reference. This second edition features newly added Gaelic names, updated distribution maps, and also incorporates the latest information on the conservation status of each species.- Concise text offers a ''biography'' of each species in simple, non-technical language- Practical, easy-to-use format- Updated distribution maps show resident species, summer and winter visitors, and passage migrantsTrade ReviewThe RSPB Handbook of Scottish Birds fully justifies its existence by virtue of the comprehensive coverage given to each species. * Birdwatching *A must-have book for anyone interested in birds, beginner or otherwise. * Highland News *Contains much basic information in concise and conveniently accessible form, and it will fit in an OS map-sized pocket. * Scottish Birds *It is difficult to imagine a better introduction to the birds of Scotland. * British Ornithologists' Union *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements RSPB Scotland Map of Birdwatching Locations Birds in Scotland Using this book Species Accounts Rarities Glossary Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE WALES BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD 2020SHORTLISTED FOR THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZE 2020__________________________'A moving story of love, tradition and landscape.' Evening Standard, 'Books of the Year''A moving, multilayered memoir... extraordinary, ambitious... its scope is immense. A book that is deep in riches.' Simon Callow, Guardian'A marvellous book... an uplifting tale of tranquillity sought and found in the nearest Britain gets to paradise.' Simon Jenkins'There are worlds on worlds within this lyrical and profoundly cultured book. In an age of toxic artifice, this is the most necessary medicine: the tenderness of reality and the living, elemental, world.' Jay Griffiths __________________________A multi-layered memoir of love, acceptance, finding home and the redemptive power of nature.In 2006, Mike Parker and his partner Peredur were witnesses at the civil partnership of their friends Reg and George, the first in the small Welsh town of Machynlleth. Years later, when Reg and George died within a few weeks of each other, Mike and Peredur discovered that they had been left their home: a whitewashed 'house from the children's stories', buried deep within the hills. On the Red Hill is the story of Rhiw Goch, 'the Red Hill', and its inhabitants, but also the story of a remarkable rural community and a legacy that extends far beyond bricks and mortar. It is a story that celebrates the turn of the year's wheel, of ever-changing landscapes, and of the family found in the unlikeliest of places. Highly commended by the judging panel for the 2020 Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing__________________________'A delightful book about beauty, joy, love and home... to be celebrated and read.' Sara Maitland'A great queer rural triumph of a book - wonderfully passionate, funny and insightful. It overflows with love.' Tom BulloughTrade ReviewOn the Red Hill is an extraordinary book: brave and ground-breaking. It is far more than a queer and Welsh Howards End. Gossipy, inquisitive, confessional, lyrical, elegiac and camp-ly witty by turns, Parker offers us an unexpected and important meditation on change and on belonging, presenting four different gay lives associated with a single house. He shows us what it is that makes these lives matter. -- Peter J. ConradiA marvellous book. It is an uplifting tale of tranquillity sought and found in the nearest Britain gets to paradise. -- Simon JenkinsIntense, fascinating account of queer lives in rural Wales over almost five decades ... holds a mirror up to the often hidden gay lives of the past century ... The result, in prose as swooping as the birds that teem about the house, is an important study of everyday gay life before and after decriminalisation. It is also (for Parker is nothing if not ambitious) an intimate account of the stunning natural beauty of this part of Wales, and its proud history ... By turns euphoric and melancholy, he matches his emotions to the seasons ... It is through this unusual book, a lovely hybrid of memoir, panegyric and queer history, that Parker too ... seems at last to find his own noddfa - sanctuary - and with it a sense of belonging. * Daily Telegraph *Structurally innovative, linguistically precise, and emotionally enervating, On the Red Hill is a praise-poem to adventure, belonging, the power of nature and, above all, to the resilience of human beings and the love between them. Parker's great strength and passion is in illuminating certain hidden strata of these islands, in the unearthing and re-telling of stories silenced by the forces of political history; here, he applies those talents to his own biography, and to some of those blessed enough to share it. He has produced a beautiful, immersive and - in these testing times - vital and necessary book. -- Niall GriffithsOstensibly set in one house in rural Wales, there are worlds on worlds within this lyrical and profoundly cultured book. In an age of toxic artifice, this is the most necessary medicine: the tenderness of reality and the living, elemental, world. -- Jay Griffiths

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Book SynopsisWith 58 striking midnight black pages of detailed deep-sea designs, Midnight Colouring: Underwater Worlds will appeal to those searching for an alternative way to colour and lovers of the natural world

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Book SynopsisIntroducing 50 of the world''s most magnificent trees for travellers and nature lovers to enjoy from the comfort of an armchair or to seek and behold in the wild.Whether taking in the beautiful cherry blossoms of Japan or a beech forest''s seasonal hues in France, The Tree Atlas is the ultimate guide to discovering our planet''s most amazing species of tree, as well as better understanding their role in our ever changing ecosystem, and appreciating the restorative effects of visiting these natural wonders in the flesh.Inside The Tree Atlas: 50 amazing trees from around the world presented alongside exquisite photography and handy locator maps Knowledgeable sidebar provides key vitals for each tree including its lifespan, environmental status, and height, plus tips to help you identify each species Practical advice on how to see each tree in the wild including where and when to go

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Book Synopsis'My favourite book of the year' - Kate Humble, Radio Times'This is a book for literary connoisseurs, fact-lovers and environmentalists. In short, it is a book about trees and people, for everyone.' - BBC Countryfile'Eclectic, brilliant and beautifully written, David Haskell reboots our aromatic memory reminding us of how our lives are intertwined with the wonder of trees. A treat not to be sneezed at.' - Sir Peter Crane, FRS'Thirteen Ways to Smell a Tree is a transportive olfactory journey through the forest that sets the sense tingling. Every chapter summons a new aroma: leaf litter and woodsmoke, pine resin and tannin, quinine and bay leaf - life in all its glorious complexity. David George Haskell is a knowledgeable, witty and erudite companion, who takes us by the hand and leads us through the world, reminding us to breathe it all in. This book is a breath of fresh air.' - Cal Flyn, author of Islands of AbandonmentThirteen Ways to Smell a Tree takes you on a journey to connect with trees through the sense most aligned to our emotions and memories. Thirteen essays are included that explore the evocative scents of trees, from the smell of a book just printed as you first open its pages, to the calming scent of Linden blossom, to the ingredients of a particularly good gin & tonic:In your hand: a highball glass, beaded with cool moisture.In your nose: the aromatic embodiment of globalized trade. The spikey, herbal odour of European juniper berries. A tang of lime juice from a tree descended from wild progenitors in the foothills of the Himalayas. Bitter quinine, from the bark of the South American cinchona tree, spritzed into your nostrils by the pop of sparkling tonic water.Take a sip, feel the aroma and taste three continents converge.Each essay also contains a practice the reader is invited to experience. For example, taking a tree inventory of your own home, appreciating just how many things around us came from trees. And if you've ever hugged a tree when no one was looking, try breathing in the scents of different trees that live near you, the smell of pine after the rain, the refreshing, mind-clearing scent of a eucalyptus leaf crushed in your hand.Thirteen Ways to Smell a Tree also contains everyday practices the reader is invited to experience. For example, taking a tree inventory of your own home, appreciating just how many things around us came from trees. And if you've ever hugged a tree when no one was looking, try breathing in the scents of different trees that live near you, the smell of pine after the rain, the refreshing, mind-clearing scent of a eucalyptus leaf crushed in your hand.Trade ReviewMy favourite book of the year. -- Kate Humble * Radio Times *This is a book for literary connoisseurs, fact-lovers and environmentalists. In short, it is a book about trees and people, for everyone. * BBC Countryfile *Eclectic, brilliant and beautifully written, David Haskell reboots our aromatic memory reminding us of how our lives are intertwined with the wonder of trees. A treat not to be sneezed at. -- Sir Peter Crane, FRSThirteen Ways to Smell a Tree is a transportive olfactory journey through the forest that sets the sense tingling. Every chapter summons a new aroma: leaf litter and woodsmoke, pine resin and tannin, quinine and bay leaf - life in all its glorious complexity. David George Haskell is a knowledgeable, witty and erudite companion, who takes us by the hand and leads us through the world, reminding us to breathe it all in. This book is a breath of fresh air. -- Cal Flyn, author of ISLANDS OF ABANDONMENTcontagious enthusiasm ... Haskell's sustained sniffing is an example of how we can acknowledge, and perhaps begin to appreciate, all that exists outside human agendas & forms of communication. This curious book is, ultimately, sensory activism. - Kate Simpson, Times Literary Supplement

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Book SynopsisAurochs and Auks is a deeply moving and intelligent meditation on the natural processes of death and extinction, renewal and continuity. Prompted by his own near-death in a time of pandemic, John Burnside explores the history of the auroch (Bos primigenius), the wild cattle that has become the source of so much sacred and cultural imagery across Europe, from the Minotaur and the Cretan bull dances to Spanish corrida traditions. He then tells the story of the Great Auk, a curious bird whose extinction in the mid-nineteenth century was caused by human persecution and before stepping into multiple extinctions of the outer and inner world.Trade ReviewWritten with both erudite ire and a longing soul, this is a work of a beautiful mind - Jay Griffiths

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Book SynopsisDiscover London's urban flora in this dedicated map guide.

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Book SynopsisOceans created, shaped, and sustain not just human life, but all life on Earth, and perhaps beyond it. Deep Water is a reckoning with humankind's complex relationship with these oceans. In this thrilling work a blend of history, science, nature, and environmental writing acclaimed author James Bradley plunges into the unknown to explore the deepest recesses of the natural world, guiding readers through the atomic creation of the oceans to the wonders contained within, like the schools of fish who use electromagnetic sensing to migrate across the globe; describing how human populations have circumnavigated the world by boat; and interrogating the environmental catastrophe already impacting our lives. Deep Water celebrates the ocean's glories and the extraordinary efforts of the scientists and researchers currently unlocking its secrets. Offering vital new ways of understanding humanity's place on our planet, Bradley shows that the oceans might yet save us all.

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Book SynopsisAn addictive all-ages activity for crafters and artists, Paint by Sticker: Cats includes everything you need to create twelve vibrant cat images-the stickers, the templates, the simple directions. The Paint by Sticker series is now purrfect for cat lovers! Create gorgeous illustrations of felines in low-poly (geometric polygon shapes) style, one sticker at a time. There's a playful ginger tabby hanging from her paws and an elegant, blue-eyed Siamese angling for a head scratch. Images are divided into dozens of spaces, each with a number that corresponds to a particular sticker. Find the sticker, peel it, and place it in the right space. Add the next, and the next, and relish the joy of watching a "painting" emerge! The card stock pages are perforated for easy removal, making it easy to frame the completed images.

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Book SynopsisThis beautifully illustrated book brings together sixty essential life lessons inspired by the infinite wisdom of trees.Trees do not have brains to think with, or nervous systems that cause them to feel things, and yet they are undeniably clever. From their ability to adapt, to their understanding of the strength of networks and mutually beneficial relationships, they put us to shame with their natural ability to thrive, even when they find themselves in less than ideal environments. How to Be More Tree brings together sixty universal life lessons taken from the infinite wisdom of trees. We learn about the importance of asking for help when you need it from elms, who call in an army of parasitic wasps when they're being attacked by caterpillars; from acacias, who look out for each other by producing a gas when they're being nibbled on by herbivores to warn their nearby friends; and the Chinese pistache shows us the power in pacing yourself.From the importance of patience, to drawing strength from others, to weathering the storm, to dealing with life’s most persistent irritants – this is a celebration of the heroes of the forest, and an essential companion for dipping into when we need a little inspiration.

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Book SynopsisNature's Masterpieces-ready for painting Peel the sticker, Paint the sticker, And watch your painting come to life.Paint by Sticker: Birds celebrates the rainbow of colours and shapes of the avian world: a red-headed woodpecker, a blue jay, an orange and black Baltimore oriole, an electric bright hummingbird.

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Book Synopsis''Everyone who loves the sea and what''s in it should own this book.'' - Bill BrysonFrom the blue whale to the Indo-Pacific finless porpoise, this handbook is the most comprehensive, authoritative and up-to-date reference to each of the world's 90 species of cetaceans. With more than 1,000 meticulous and specially commissioned illustrations complete with flukes, blows and dive sequences it includes detailed annotations pointing out significant field marks, as well as extensive distribution and migration maps.Many of the world's most respected whale biologists have collaborated on the text, helping to provide the ultimate guide to the identification, distribution, behaviour, life history and conservation of every species and subspecies of whale, dolphin and porpoise. This is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in these truly spectacular animals.Trade ReviewA dazzling and epic achievement. Everyone who loves the sea and what's in it should own this book. -- Bill BrysonThe essential guide to cetacean identification for many years to come. * Conservation Biology *Table of ContentsHow to use this book The challenges of identification Introduction to the 14 cetacean families Information for working at sea Cetacean topography Barnacles to whale lice Quick ID Guides Bow-riding dolphins and porpoises Identifying whales by their flukes Identifying whales by their blows North Atlantic Ocean South Atlantic Ocean North Pacific Ocean South Pacific Ocean Indian Ocean Southern Ocean Right and bowhead whales (family Balaenidae) Pygmy right whale (family Neobalaeidae) Grey whale (family Eschrichtiidae) Rorquals (family Balaenopteridae) Sperm whales (families Physeteridae, Kogiidae) Narwhal and beluga (family Monodontidae) Beaked whales (family Ziphiidae) Blackfish (family Dolphinidae) Shorter-beaked oceanic dolphins (family Delphinidae) Longer-beaked oceanic dolphines (family Delphinidae) River dolphins (families Platanistidae, Iniidae, Pontoporiidae, Lipotidae) Porpoises (family Phocoenidae) Caring for whales, dolphins and porpoises Glossary Species checklist Conversion units Sources and resources Artists' biographies Acknowledgements Image credits

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Book SynopsisJoy Adamson was a pioneer in the field of conservation. With her husband George, senior game warden in a huge area of the northern frontier province of Kenya, she established one of the world's first wild animal appeals. Now the Elsa Conservation Trust, it operates an education, training and wildlife retreat centre at the Adamsons' former home of Elsamere, on the shores of Lake Naivasha.

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Book SynopsisBees are a fascinating and indispensable group of insects, but many species are in decline, and efforts to help determine distributions and changes in abundance have to date been compromised by a serious lack of identification resources. This book is from author Steven Falk, who is a professional naturalist and conservationist with over forty years' experience of working with bees. It is a comprehensive introduction to bee classification, ecology, field techniques and recording, a full glossary, and information on how to separate the sexes and distinguish bees from other insects. Also included are introductions to families and genera, describing key characters and life histories, as well as detailed species descriptions covering field and microscopic characters, similar species, variants, flight season, habitat, flowers visited, nesting habits, status & distribution, and parasites & associates. A series of innovative illustrated keys to genera and species are designed to guide the Trade ReviewRichard Lewington’s delicate pictures are without equal, but with copious thumbnail diagrams, and close-up photos of body parts, this is also a detailed key work for the specialist wanting to learn more. -- Richard Jones * BBC Wildlife *Bee identification just got a whole lot easier...with Richard Lewington's stunning artwork and Steven Falk's accessible text and identification keys * Bird Table magazine *Comprehensive, well organised, easy to use, beautifully illustrated and packed with detail this is, quite simply, one of the best field guides I’ve had the pleasure of using. -- Calvin Jones * Ireland's Wildlife *Table of ContentsPreface Introduction What is a bee? Classification of bees At-a-glance guide to bee genera Species, races, forms and variations The life cycle of bees Enemies and associates of bees Habitats of bees Field techniques for finding and recording bees Conserving bees Societies and recording groups Bees beyond Britain and Ireland Further Reading How to Use this Guide Dichotomous keys Format of the species accounts The colour plates Male or female? Is it a bee? Bee anatomy Glossary Author’s web feature Key to Bee Genera Family colletidae - Colletes – Plasterer bees - Hylaeus – Yellow-face bees Family andrenidae - Andrena – Mining bees - Panurgus – Shaggy bees Family halictidae - Halictus – End-banded furrow bees - Lasioglossum – Base-banded furrow bees - Sphecodes – Blood bees - Rophites – Bristle-headed bees - Dufourea – Short-faced bees Family melittidae - Melitta – Blunthorn bees - Macropis – Oil-collecting bees - Dasypoda – Pantaloon bees Family megachilidae - Anthidium – Wool carders - Stelis – Dark bees - Heriades – Resin bees - Chelostoma – Scissor bees - Osmia – Mason bees - Hoplitis – Lesser masons - Megachile – Leafcutter and mud bees - Coelioxys – Sharp-tail bees Family apidae - Nomada – Nomad bees - Epeolus – Variegated cuckoo bees - Eucera – Long-horned bees - Anthophora – Flower bees - Melecta – Mourning bees - Ceratina – Small carpenter bees - Xylocopa – Large carpenter bees - Bombus – Bumblebees - Apis – Honey bees Colour Plates Checklist of the bees of Britain and Ireland Index Photographic credits

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Book SynopsisAn elegant mini edition of Katie Scott and the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew's beautiful Fungarium.This gorgeous mini edition of Fungarium is the perfect gift for nature-lovers or anyone who appreciates beautiful books. Wander the galleries - open 365 days a year - and discover a collection of curated exhibits on every page, accompanied by informative text. Each chapter features a different branch of the fungal kingdom, from colour waxcaps to slimy moulds. Welcome to the museum!Trade ReviewThe illustrations are stunningly clear, colourful, and informative, in an old-fashioned, scientific-drawing style. * The School Librarian *

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Book SynopsisIn The Four Elements, poet and philosopher John O'Donohue draws upon his Celtic heritage and the love of his native landscape, the west of Ireland, to weave together a tapestry of beautifully evoked images of nature. As John explores a range of themes relating to the way we live our lives today, he reveals how the energy and rhythm of the natural world - its innocence and creativity, its power and splendour - hold profound lessons for us all. With a foreword written by his beloved brother Pat, this illuminating treasury is a unique collection of reflections inspired by the ancient wisdom of this earth.Trade ReviewThere are certain threads that run through the work of John O'Donohue. They manifest themselves with different colours and textures. The form may change for different purposes of rhythm and resonance, but the intention remains constant. It is grounded in human vulnerability and the desire, the longing, for a connection to the wonder of the divine in nature, and human life within it. -- Michael D Higgins, politician and broadcaster

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Book Synopsis'Warm, funny, touching, uplifting' CLARE BALDINGOLIVE & MABEL: two of the internet's favourite dogs!ANDREW COTTER: one of our best-loved commentators.In a year like no other, the antics of two beautiful Labradors, Olive and Mabel - along with hilarious commentaries by Andrew Cotter - lightened the darkest days of lockdown. With nearly 90 million views on social media, Olive and Mabel's videos have resonated with dog lovers around the world.Now, OLIVE, MABEL & ME tells the heart-warming story of Andrew's two famous Labradors. Olive - sensible, measured but always keen to roll in something she shouldn't. Mabel - endearing, slightly scatty but game for any adventure. Their star quality has taken the internet by storm and continues to give us all a much-needed treat in tough times.Beautifully written, touching and laugh-out-loud funny, this is not only the story of Olive and Mabel but also the story of the love we have for our dogs and the boundless joy they bring us each and every day.Trade ReviewBeautifully written... as funny as you would hope. * The Times *

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Book Synopsis''This is Stitfall in spadefuls; she celebrates the ragged corner of the UK and all its natural treasures. So refreshing!'' - Chris Packham''A joyful, heartwarming and important read for nature lovers!'' - Megan McCubbinGet up close to Cornwall''s wildlife with this magical guide to the yearHannah Stitfall is a TV presenter and zoologist, who regularly gets up in the early hours of the morning to try and catch sight of some of Cornwall''s best hidden wildlife. She will spend hours on end waiting for a creature to appear among a hedgerow, scurrying across Cornwall''s open fields or taking flight across its towering cliffs and sandy beaches. In these brief, magical moments, Hannah is able to see and capture animal behaviour that the general public rarely get to witness. In this book, Hannah shares her incredible stories, beautiful photographs and often funny meetings with Cornwall''s wildlife through the course of a year. From brown hares

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Book SynopsisDiscover the healing power of nature through the stories of these characterful birds, whose song is never far away . . .LONGLISTED FOR THE 2022 WAINWRIGHT PRIZE''A lyrical and life-affirming book that teaches us as much about birds as it does ourselves - a balm for the soul'' Raynor Winn, author of The Salt Path''Totally absorbing and completely engaging on so many levels . . . Charlie has opened my eyes to the constant joy of the sights and sounds of the birds that surround us. It is a book that really will save lives'' Dr Richard Shepherd, author of Unnatural Causes_________After the tragic loss of his mother, Charlie Corbett felt trapped by his pain. Having lost all hope and perspective he took to the countryside in search of solace. There, he heard the soaring, cascading song of the skylark - a sound that pulled him from the depths of despair and into the calm of the natural world.Weaving his jTrade ReviewA lyrical and life-affirming book that teaches us as much about birds as it does ourselves - a balm for the soul * Raynor Winn, author of The Salt Path *Totally absorbing and completely engaging on so many levels... Charlie has opened my eyes to the constant joy of the sights and sounds of the birds that surround us. It is a book that really will save lives * Dr Richard Shepherd, author of Unnatural Causes *An enchanting book. I knew at once this was something special * Lady Glenconner *This is no ordinary ornithology, but one that portrays the very essence of each bird through a very human lens and shows us that both solace and joy can be ours by merely observing with an open eye and an open heart * John Wright, author of The Forager's Calendar *A wonderful blend of the lyrical and practical. Charlie shows us that our relationship with birds and the natural world is not only healing, but an important part of our cultural heritage worth protecting * Adam Henson *From dawn choruses to the first chiffchaff calls of spring, Charlie Corbett shows how the changing seasons can bring happy natural rhythms to times of hardship * National Geographic Traveller *This is no misery memoir . . . The story moves apace to its uplifting conclusion, that Nature is the best medicine * Country Life *There is much to be admired * Countryfile *An important book, woven with the countryside and catharsis. Also instructive into which birds to look for and how to recognise their calls and song. Written by a true countryman and loving son * The Field *Honest, uplifting and written from the heart, this is a rediscovery of life inspired by a re-discovery of birds -- Tim BirkheadOne of those charming nuggets you sometimes chance across in the bookshop, pulling together themes of nature, grief, mental health and healing * Salisbury Journal *

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Book SynopsisDog-friendly country walks in Britain with places to eat and staySupported by the National Trust, and includes their pawprint rating' system for dog-friendly placesBreathtaking walks that aren't too challenging 2-6 miles in length. Suggested stops.Walks are created with dogs in mind all the info you need.Don't just take your dog for a walk. Take your dog for one of Britain's 100 best dog walks. These country routes are custom-made for you and your four-legged friend. Ranging from 2 to 6 miles, they cover the whole of the UK and take some of our most beautiful woods, coast, rolling hills and fields, not to mention fascinating and inspiring historic sites. For each walk, there's a map and comprehensive directions, plus information on whether and where a lead is needed and suggestions for dog-friendly refreshment stops and accommodation nearby.

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER & BEST GARDENING BOOKS OF 2020 - Sunday Times''Every page a joy'' NIGEL SLATER''From a very early age I loved the countryside as much as any garden and was fascinated by the life that I saw all around me from trees, wildflowers, birds, insects and mammals. In a sense this book has been over sixty years in gestation. I have kept notebooks and journals ever since I could write and I have drawn upon these as well as the events of the past year.''Spend a year with Monty Don. My Garden World is a celebration of every living creature and the natural world that we all share. Recent times have given us the enforced opportunity to learn more about the fascinating natural world around us. Whether you live in the countryside or the town, Monty''s observations and insights are relevant to each and every one of us. My Garden World is Monty Don''s personal journey Trade ReviewAs familiar as a cup of tea and similarly as heartening, Monty Don is something of a gardening legend... this is a very timely and relevant celebration of the world immediately around us - at a time when we really need it. * Cotswold Life *Full of warmth and affection * Edinburgh Evening News **Best Christmas Releases* -- While some gardeners appear bent on suppressing nature, Monty Don loves and works with it. His new book is a celebration of the living world, through which he walks us, following the calendar year, pausing to observe everything from hares to hawthorn. His world is one big garden of delights. * Saga *Both informative and personal * Argus (Brighton) *His world is one big garden of delights. * Saga *Both informative and personal. * Greenock Telegraph *Really rather wonderful. Not only is it a celebration of all that grows in his garden, but of everything else living there too... Every page a joy. * Nigel Slater **Best gardening books of 2020*. This is a gentle and soulful read, full of little "a-ha" moments, that takes us through a calendar year of garden wildlife observations. * The Times {Saturday Review} *Written in Don's typically accessible but engaging prose, My Garden World is our protagonist's latest celebration of his favourite subject. * Irish News *And what better way to celebrate the natural world than with everyone's favourite gardener. Monty Don observes with detail the animals, birds and wildlife that come and go throughout the year, encouraging us to help and preserve the world around us. * Woman *

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Book Synopsis'The countryside ought to be for everyone, and this beautiful, thoughtful companion can help us all start to forge paths into the forgotten corners of our green, pleasant and often inaccessible land' Catrina Davies, author of Homesick The Trespasser’s Companion is a rallying cry for greater public access to nature and a gently seditious guide to how to get it: by trespassing. We are excluded from the majority of our land and waterways in England, but bestselling writer Nick Hayes shows how reclaiming our connection to nature would be better both for us, and for nature. By stepping over the fences that bar us from the countryside, by engaging more deeply with nature through craft, education, and citizen science, we can rediscover not only a land that has been hidden from us for too long, but also reignite our collective responsibility to protect it. Interwoven are testimonials from expert contributors – farmers and landworkers, activists and authors – each with deeply personal stories of what a connection to nature means for them. With exquisite woodcut illustrations throughout, this is both a love letter to our land and a call to action. 'The Trespasser's Companion is many things at once: a how-to guide; a spell book; a call to arms' Kerri Andrews, author of WanderersTrade ReviewAn urgent reminder of how little of England’s landscapes and waterways are free to roam and a valuable guide to what we can do to help change this situation. Access rights are needed now. The Trespasser’s Companion is a delightful frame to support the struggle for land reform. Let us wander in the natural places of this country of ours. We will be all the better for it. * Dr James Canton, author of The Oak Papers *The Trespasser's Companion is many things at once: it is a how-to guide; a spell book; a call to arms. Most urgently, though, it is a reimagining of how we might live, showing how we can share more equally in all that our land has to offer while caring for that land more ardently * Kerri Andrews, author of Wanderers: A History of Women Walking *The countryside ought to be for everyone, and this beautiful, thoughtful companion can help us all start to forge paths into the forgotten corners of our green, pleasant and often inaccessible land. * Catrina Davies, author of Homesick *PRAISE FOR THE BOOK OF TRESPASS ‘Brilliant, passionate and political . . . The Book of Trespass will make you see landscapes differently' * Robert Macfarlane *'A remarkable and truly radical work, loaded with resonant truths' * George Monbiot *

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Book SynopsisWhich nations have launched which animals into space? Which countries have no sea views? Where were our planet's now-extinct species last sighted? Who is behind the great avocado boom? Where can you hug the world's oldest trees? With infographic maps covering the entire globe, Wild Maps will delight cartography fans and nature lovers, as well as anyone with an interest in all that is fascinating and awe-inspiring on Planet Earth (and beyond). Beautifully designed and illustrated, Wild Maps is an eye-opening celebration of our world, and the plants and animals with whom we share it.

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Book SynopsisThis celebration of the English countryside does not only focus on the rolling green landscapes and magnificent monuments that set England apart from the rest of the world. Many of the contributors bring their own special touch, presenting a refreshingly eclectic variety of personal icons, from pub signs to seaside piers, from cattle grids to canal boats, and from village cricket to nimbies. First published as a lavish colour coffeetable book, this new expanded paperback edition has double the original number of contributions from many celebrities including Bill Bryson, Michael Palin, Eric Clapton, Bryan Ferry, Sebastian Faulks, Kate Adie, Kevin Spacey, Gavin Pretor-Pinney, Richard Mabey , Simon Jenkins, John Sergeant, Benjamin Zephaniah, Joan Bakewell, Antony Beevor, Libby Purves, Jonathan Dimbleby, and many more: and a new preface by HRH Prince Charles.

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Book SynopsisForage is a beautifully illustrated celebration of edible plants that can be found throughout the world.Anybody can enjoy the increasingly popular back-to-nature activity of foraging. In some countries these plants are now forgotten as food, but in others they are still celebrated for their value as nutritious, delicious ingredients and cooking with wild plants is increasingly being adopted by mainstream restaurants.Journeying through 50 globally populated edible plants, Forage explores the culture and history of our wild food. Stunning botanical illustrations by artist Rachel Pedder-Smith accompany each plant, alongside recipes inspired by the regions of the world where they are most celebrated.

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Book SynopsisWalter Murray was a young man tired of living in the city. Early in the 1920s, he persuaded a Sussex farmer to rent him a derelict cottage, which stood alone on a hill, with no running water or electricity. Most of the windows were broken, it was dirty, dark and ran with rats. He bought a brush and pail in the village, forced the rats to retreat, brought in rudimentary furniture. The local postman found him a dog, and with his new companion he began to explore his surroundings. In that year at Copsford he made a living from collecting, drying and selling the herbs he found locally: agrimony, meadow-sweet and yarrow. He became alert to the wildlife and plants around him. His life was hard - he supplemented his income with occasional journalism, but it was here he met his future wife, who he calls The Music Mistress, and with whom he would later found a school. Copsford is an extraordinary book. Bearing comparison to Thoreau's Walden, Murray's intense feeling for his place is evident on every page. It is, though, no simple story of a rural idyll - life at Copsford was hard, and Murray does not shy away from the occasional terrors of a house that had its hauntings. A publishing success when first published in the late 1940s, this new edition has an introduction by Raynor Winn, author of The Salt Path.

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Book SynopsisThe Minerals Encyclopedia is unusual for the number of minerals it covers: more than 700 in 448 pages, with a useful glossary, an introduction to mineral collecting, printed front and back flaps that offer quick reference in the field, and a measuring rule on the back cover.

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Book SynopsisIn the Mesozoic Era, while dinosaurs roamed on land, giant carnivorous reptiles ruled the seas. These enormous underwater creatures have enthralled the public imagination since Mary Anning discovered spectacular reptile skeletons on Dorset’s ‘Jurassic Coast’ in the early 1800s.Join palaeontologist Darren Naish on a tour of these incredible animals, ranging from shark-shaped ichthyosaurs and long-necked plesiosaurs to gigantic, predatory mosasaurs. Occupying roles similar to those of modern sharks, seals and whales, they filled the ancient oceans for a period of 180 million years. Naish charts the evolutionary rise of the ancient sea reptiles and their domination of the Mesozoic Seas. He reveals how these reptiles moved in water, the anatomical advantages of their soft tissue, skin and blubber, how their jaws were specialized for aquatic prey, and the sensory organs that enabled them to see, smell or hear underwater. Later chapters focus on each of the major lineages: the shark-shaped ichthyosaurs, the long-necked plesiosaurs; the crocodilelike thalattosuchians, the fast-swimming mosasaurs, and the first sea turtles.The book is richly illustrated with photographs of striking specimens and artistic reconstructions which bring these giants of the sea to life.

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Book SynopsisAn authoritative guide to birds of the UK Overseas Territories.The UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs) are scattered across the globe. Most are small islands or island complexes, occurring from the Caribbean to the furthest reaches of the South Atlantic, via the Indian and Pacific Oceans. In terms of global biodiversity, these territories are remarkably significant. Among landscapes that range from coral atolls, through mangroves and dry forests to the ice sheets of Antarctica, the UKOTs support no fewer than 45 species of birds currently considered to be globally threatened. They are also home to a third of all the world's breeding albatrosses, and nine of the world's 17 species of penguin. In a rapidly changing world, the UKOTs symbolise global crises in climate and biodiversity. Threats faced by their wildlife range from mortality of seabirds at sea through industrial fisheries, and on land as a result of introduced ground predators, to the utter devastation of hurricanes in the

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book Synopsis''The clouds are nature''s poetry, and the most egalitarian of her displays, since everyone has an equally fantastic view of them. Clouds are for dreamers, and their contemplation benefits the soul. Yet their beauty is so everyday as to be in danger of being overlooked ...''Gavin Pretor Pinney is the chairman and founder member of the Cloud Appreciation Society. He contends that we are blessed in this country with a uniquely rich and varied cloudscape, which has hitherto been sadly undervalued. His book teaches us to appreciate their different varieties - the cumulus, nimbostratus and Morning Glory to name only a few - and all their beauties and significances, both meteorological and cultural. We learn how Hindus believed the cumulus clouds were the spiritual cousins of elephants, how thermal air currents act on fair weather cumuli, and how to save a fortune in psychiatric bills by using the clouds as Rorschach images that reflect our state of mind as well as nature''Trade Review'A lovely book, the sort that everybody should have in the car or on the kitchen windowsill' * Daily Telegraph *'His style is genial, his enthusiasm uplifting and his book nothing less than a subtle but glorious mantra for a way of life.' * Metro *'Read this eye-opening and amusingly written book and you will realise that beautiful as they are clouds are not just put there for decoration, they are truly awesome things.' * Daily Mail *'Eloquent and engaging...Beautiful illustrations, photos and diagrams throughout, which show how spectacular the sights can be for the ardent cloudspotter.' * Financial Times *

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Book SynopsisThe definitive dog-owner's guide with up-to-date breeds, nutrition, care, step-by-step training techniques, and dog sports.

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Book Synopsis‘A vaulting triumph of a book’ Isabella Tree, author of Wilding'A master storyteller, Weidensaul communicates so much joy in the sheer act of witnessing and such exhilaration in the advances of the science behind what he sees that we are slow to grasp the extent of the ecological crisis that he outlines.' ObserverBird migration remains perhaps the most singularly compelling natural phenomenon in the world. Nothing else combines its global sweep with its inherent ability to engender wonder and excitement.The past two decades have seen an explosion in our understanding of the almost unfathomable feats of endurance and complexity involved in bird migration – yet the science that informs these majestic journeys is still in its infancy.Pulitzer Prize-shortlisted writer-ornithologist Scott Weidensaul is at the forefront of this research, and A World on the Wing sees him track some of the most remarkable flights undertaken by birds. His own voyage of discovery sees him sail through the storm-wracked waters of the Bering Sea; encounter gunners and trappers in the Mediterranean; and visit a forgotten corner of north-east India, where former headhunters have turned one of the grimmest stories of migratory crisis into an unprecedented conservation success.As our world comes increasingly under threat from the effects of climate change, these ecological miracles may provide an invaluable guide to a more sustainable future for all species, including us. This is the rousing and reverent story of the billions of birds that, despite the numerous obstacles we have placed in their path, continue to head with hope to the far horizon.Trade ReviewA vaulting triumph of a book. Scott Weidensaul unravels the miracles and mysteries of bird migration like an ace detective. Compelling and often deeply moving, this is a summons for international co-operation and global conservation like no other. -- Isabella Tree, author of WildingAs much as the book is upbeat and celebratory, Weidensaul is fearless in describing the acute challenges that face the birds he loves . . . a superb globetrotting survey of avian restlessness that reaches one core conclusion. Migrants may seem like here-today-gone-tomorrow nomads but they are really inhabitants of a single place and one living system, on which they and humans depend equally: the entire Earth. -- Mark Cocker * Spectator *A master storyteller who is also profoundly involved in scientific ornithology . . . Weidensaul communicates so much joy in the sheer act of witnessing and such exhilaration in the advances of the science behind what he sees, that we are slow to grasp the extent of the ecological crisis that he outlines * Observer *In vivid prose that conjures up the rich spell of each landscape, Scott Weidensaul takes us on exhilarating expeditions that crisscross the globe and travel deep into the heart of nature. For lifelong experts and backyard birders alike, he’s a superb guide to the winged marvels that share our planet and our lives. -- Diane Ackerman, author of The Zookeeper’s WifeWeidensaul’s dispatches are fascinating. Chapter by chapter, my jaw dropped and my eyes widened. The science of bird migration has reached a golden age, and we’re lucky to have such a graceful guide. This book is instantly among my all-time favorites, and one I’ll keep to re-read. -- Noah Strycker, author of Birding Without BordersThe miracle of birds meets the miracle of technology in Scott Weidensaul’s wondrous new book A World on the Wing. While there are huge gaps in our knowledge of migration, and despair in our race to save species, advances in technology from microscopic transmitters to agile drones are changing the equation and making the future look hopeful. This is a book you won’t want to put down. -- Jane Alexander, actress, writer and wildlife conservationistScott Weidensaul, one of our finest nature writers, has produced another instant classic. In A World on the Wing he takes a pair of highly complex subjects—global patterns of bird migration, and the research into those patterns—and brings them to life with his own amazing adventures around the world. Here is proof that a book of solid science can also be a page-turner. Highly recommended for anyone curious about the natural world. -- Kenn Kaufman, author of the Kaufman Field GuidesA World on the Wing brims with spectacle . . . As the birds flit through these pages, but with ever less frequency through our lives, we can only hope that birders and non-birders alike take inspiration and a call to action from A World on the Wing. This is the kind of book we’ve been waiting for. * New York Times *Mr. Weidensaul takes us to places we’ll likely never go, then deftly steps back to let us experience the scene. In an era when travel, for most, has sputtered to a stop, A World on the Wing is a bracing tonic. The author slips in facts and figures so painlessly, so richly embedded in emotional context, that you can absorb and truly appreciate their import * Wall Street Journal *Many mysteries of bird life and migration are revealed in this compelling and illuminating in-the-field narrative complete with maps and photographs. * Booklist *Based on recent scientific research and his own research and bird observations . . . Each chapter on the different bird species and migration experiences will vibrantly inform readers about the habits of migratory birds * Library Journal *As in many of his previous books, Weidensaul is a peerless guide, sharing his intoxicating passion and decadeslong experience with countless bird species all over the world . . . Another winner from Weidensaul that belongs in every birder’s library * Kirkus Reviews *Remarkable . . . Bird enthusiasts and fans of nature writing shouldn’t miss this * Publishers Weekly *

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Book Synopsis“Any backyard astronomer or space enthusiast would be delighted to have this visual journey on their shelf.” —The Strategist, The Year’s Most Giftable Coffee-Table BooksA Barnes & Noble Best Gift Book of 2022 A Publishers Weekly Holiday Gift Guide 2022 selection6 orbiters, 140 missions, 355 astronauts, 500,000,000 miles—all in one rich and beautiful photographic journeyThe Space Shuttle tells the story of NASA’s amazing Space Shuttle program and its 140 space flights (135 missions, plus five Approach and Landing Tests) in a uniquely designed and covetable way. Long before the James Webb Telescope rekindled our fascination with astronomy and our place in the cosmos, the Space Shuttle began to capture the world’s attention with its first mission (a test launch) on April 12, 1981 and continued to do so until its final mission on July 8, 2011. The program’s six orbiter vehicles are Enterprise, Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis, and Endeavour. Each mission has its own fascinating story, and The Space Shuttle retells these stories, in chronological order, through incredible photos taken by NASA photojournalists, fine art photographers, and the astronauts themselves. Each image is accompanied by a short text that includes quick facts such as crew members, launch date, and landing date, as well as a short overview of highlights and purpose. For example, STS-78’s mission was to study circadian rhythms in space; STS-41G’s mission was to take photographs in-flight, seen in the IMAX movie The Dream Is Alive; and famously, the first untethered space walk, taken by astronaut Bruce McCandless on STS-41B using a self-propelled backpack unit (called a Man Maneuvering Unit [MMU]), allowed astronauts to capture satellites for retrieval and repair and for the planned construction of what became the International Space Station (ISS). Prior to this mission, astronauts were attached to the shuttle with safety lines. The photo of McCandless floating above Earth’s surface is one of the most celebrated and famous space photographs ever. These are just a few of the 140 stories Miller tells in this beautiful volume.Trade Review“‘Sumptuous’ is an adjective too often used to describe beautifully produced books, so, though that word does in fact describe The Space Shuttle, let’s instead call it ‘stellar. . . .’ [T]he reader leaves this book with a deep sense of awe about the program itself and what it accomplished in helping us to better understand what is above us.” —Air MailTable of ContentsContents Preface Introduction CHAPTER 1 Approach and Landing Tests ALT-12 (Free Flight 1) to ALT-16 (Free Flight 5) CHAPTER 2 First Launch—The Challenger Tragedy STS-1 (Mission 1) to STS-51L (Mission 25) CHAPTER 3 New Beginnings—Hubble Deployment STS-26 (Mission 26) to STS-61 (Mission 59) CHAPTER 4 Shuttle-Mir Missions—John Glenn’s Return to Space STS-60 (Mission 60) to STS-95 (Mission 92) CHAPTER 5 The International Space Station Construction Begins—The Columbia Tragedy STS-88 (Mission 93) to STS-107 (Mission 113) CHAPTER 6 A Second Return to Flight—The Final Mission STS-114 (Mission 114) to STS-135 (Mission 135) Afterword Glossary Acknowledgments Index

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